Spencer County EMS hires, promotions and $100 fee increase approved

Spencer County Fiscal Court approved multiple staffing changes and a fee increase for county emergency medical services during its March 15 meeting.

Chief Chris Limpp recommended hiring Matthew King as a full-time paramedic contingent on background and drug screening; the court approved the hire. Paramedic trainee Zac Moore, who completed his paramedic program and received state certification, was promoted from part-time advanced EMT to part-time paramedic with a pay increase from $15.50 to $16.50 per hour. Veteran medic Chris Shirley accepted full-time employment elsewhere and requested to remain part-time with the county; the court approved the change and a revised part-time rate of $14.00 per hour.

The court also voted to increase EMS transport charges by $100 across categories. The proposed change raises ALS-2 to $950 from $850, ALS-1 to $875 from $775, BLS emergency to $700 from $600, and BLS non-emergency to $550 from $450; mileage remained at $11.50 per loaded mile. Chief Limpp recommended the new rate schedule take effect July 1, 2021.

Why it matters: The staffing decisions fill operational gaps as the EMS service responds to county needs; the fee increase will affect billing to insurers and potentially patient cost exposure where applicable. County officials said supplies and personnel costs have risen since the previous rate revision.

What’s next: The hires and promotions are contingent upon standard background checks and drug screening; the treasurer and EMS billing contractor will update invoices and dispatch systems to reflect new rates effective July 1.