Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Martin County manager proposes paramedic expansion, estimates $612,300 annual net increase
Loading...
Summary
County Manager Drew Batts proposed adding eight paramedics and quick-response vehicles (QRVs), estimating $850,000 for salaries/supplies and $180,370 for QRVs; after proposed savings and billing efficiencies, Batts projected about a $612,300 annual budget increase and suggested using some outside-agency reductions to offset initial costs.
County Manager Drew Batts proposed a paramedic-level expansion for Martin County Emergency Medical Services at the board's March 2 budget workshop, presenting preliminary cost estimates and operational changes intended to increase reimbursement and efficiency.
Batts said an eight-paramedic implementation — including salaries and vehicle outfitting supplies — would cost about $850,000 annually, with QRV (quick-response vehicle) purchases estimated at $180,370 in initial or rotation years. He added other operating expenses (facility, vehicle maintenance, internet and equipment) at roughly $12,300.
"Based on outside agency proposed savings and pull back on EMS funding we would be looking at an increase to the yearly budget of $612,300," Batts said, presenting the arithmetic used in the workshop slides. Batts proposed using savings from reduced outside-agency contributions and pursuing external grant support (Golden Leaf) or a partnership with ECU Health to fund QRVs.
To improve EMS revenue capture and lower supply costs, Batts proposed centralizing purchasing and switching all EMS units to a single reporting software managed through Emergency Management Assistant Director Michael Bryant. That change, he said, would allow Emergency Management to review calls and ensure higher reimbursement rates from insurers.
No formal vote was taken on the paramedic proposal at the workshop; commissioners asked for details and follow-up on potential funding sources and implementation timelines.