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Council approves $50,000 for paramedics overtime after split vote; some urge hiring an eighth medic
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Summary
The council approved a $50,000 appropriation for paramedics overtime (C66) by a recorded vote of 6–2 after members debated whether to hire an eighth paramedic instead of relying on overtime. Several councilors raised concerns about staff fatigue and long-term costs.
Leominster city councilors voted 6–2 to appropriate $50,000 to the paramedics overtime account (C66) after an extended debate over whether the city should fund an eighth permanent paramedic instead of continuing to cover shifts with overtime.
Several councilors, including Carrie Noseworthy, argued in favor of hiring a permanent eighth paramedic to reduce continual overtime and the workload on a small pool of seven medics. "I really think... hiring that eighth paramedic would make a really big difference for the mental health of the paramedics and for the services that we provide," Noseworthy said. Other councilors and the mayor’s office said the administration prefers paying overtime rather than adding a full-time position now; the comptroller and mayor's office argued the cost of a new hire (roughly $150,000) would not necessarily save money once benefits and other expenses are included.
Councilors supporting the overtime appropriation said the city currently collects ambulance revenue intended to offset EMS costs, and that overtime may be a short-term approach while the new fire chief and budget process review staffing thresholds. The measure passed with a recorded tally of six yes votes and two no votes.
What happens next: The appropriation funds overtime for the current fiscal year; councilors said they will continue the discussion during budget hearings about whether to add a permanent position going forward.
