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Alleghany County approves EMS pay realignment and shift-change to recruit paramedics
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Summary
The Alleghany County Board approved a pay realignment and shift-schedule change for EMS designed to recruit and retain paramedics, with staff saying the adjustments can be funded within the current EMS budget and an estimated intra-year transfer of $137,494.
Alleghany County commissioners voted to approve a pay realignment and change to EMS shift scheduling intended to improve recruitment and retention of paramedics.
County operations staff presented the proposal, saying the change would move EMS from a 24-on/48-off shift pattern to a 24-on/72-off model and raise hiring rates so the county can compete with neighboring employers. Operations Project Manager Davis Feisher (S3) said the shift and pay adjustments are intended to bring the service back to full staffing and reduce overtime: "We have asked for this so that we can come back up to full staff hopefully to provide the very best service," he said.
The finance director, April Hand (S6), walked the board through the accounting approach, saying the county has budget room in the EMS general fund and that the specific intra-year transfers staff proposed total about $137,494. "The adopted budget for EMS was listed in our packet," Hand said while outlining year-to-date budget balances and how lines can be adjusted to cover the reallocation.
Commissioners asked for details about certification, training and retention commitments. Staff said most current hires are paramedics, that the county partners with the community college for certification classes, and that trainees sign contracts requiring two years of service after certification; Operations staff characterized potential pay-back amounts for employees who leave before the required period as varying by the county's documented time and backfill costs.
Commissioner Garrison (S12) supported the targeted pay increases but urged a broader review of county pay bands so other departments remain competitive. The board discussed timing: staff said they hoped to have new hires on a pay-period start in late April or early May.
A motion to approve the realignment and associated budget moves was made by Commissioner (S2) and seconded by Commissioner (S7); the board approved the measure by voice vote. Staff said they will implement the changes and return any required budget adjustments in future reports.
The vote and next steps: commissioners approved the plan to proceed; staff will finalize budget transfers and begin hiring under the new pay structure. The board did not specify an exact tally of individual votes beyond the approval.
