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Council approves $50,000 paramedics overtime appropriation amid debate over hiring
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Summary
The council approved a $50,000 transfer to the paramedics overtime account 6–2 after debate about whether hiring an eighth paramedic would be better for staff wellness and long‑term cost than continuing to rely on overtime.
The council approved C‑66, a $50,000 appropriation to the paramedics overtime account, after an extended debate about staffing, costs and responder welfare.
Supporters said overtime funding is a necessary short‑term measure and that ambulance revenue offsets costs. Opponents and other councilors urged hiring an eighth paramedic to reduce chronic overtime and wear on a small pool of seven paramedics; multiple councilors said cumulative overtime already ran into tens of thousands of dollars in recent months. One councilor noted the mental‑health and fatigue implications for a small crew that covers all shifts.
The finance subcommittee recommended the appropriation by a 2–1 vote. On the council floor, the measure passed by recorded vote 6–2; the minutes record yays and nays and two dissenting councilors. The council asked that the topic be revisited during budget hearings with the fire chief to review rate setting and longer‑term staffing options.
Next steps: funds will be transferred into the paramedics overtime account to cover current shortfalls; the council asked for a fuller discussion with the fire chief during the annual budget process about hiring versus continued overtime.
