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Council approves EMS pay plan and 12 new EMS positions funded by EMS millage and fees
Summary
The Metropolitan Council approved a plan April 22 to amend EMS pay classifications, appropriate $1,919,270 for 2026 and add 12 EMS positions (deleting 10), funded from EMS dedicated revenues and millage rather than the general fund.
The Metropolitan Council on April 22 approved amendments to the East Baton Rouge EMS pay plan that add entry‑level and retention pay steps, appropriate $1,919,270 for the 2026 implementation and authorize 12 new EMS positions (with 10 deletions) effective May 30, 2026.
Chris Landry, the EMS director, described the department’s workload and accreditations, told the council East Baton Rouge EMS responded to more than 72,000 calls last year, and said the plan was funded through EMS’s dedicated funds and transport‑fee collections rather than the general fund. "This plan will not impact the city parish general fund, not $1," Landry told the council; the director described the package as supported by a 3.13‑mill EMS millage and higher collections from billing and transport fees.
Supporters including the mayor and public‑safety leaders said the pay changes are necessary to retain experienced EMS staff and improve recruitment; opponents raised concerns the proposal does not go far enough to reach competitive pay levels and warned that private‑sector competition and continued staffing pressure could persist. Walter Beach (EMS Reform) told the council the proposal "is not even close" to the pay EMS needs and urged consideration of stronger compensation or competition that would raise wages.
Council members asked finance staff for details on funding; the finance director confirmed the $1.919 million supplement is for 2026 and estimated an annualized cost of about $3.2 million in 2027, paid from EMS special funds and increased billing revenue rather than the general fund. Councilman Mote moved approval of the EMS pay plan and the motion carried.
The council also approved Item 55 to change the allotment of EMS positions (12 new, 10 deleted) effective May 30, 2026, and approved a motion to appropriate funding consistent with the EMS special fund and millage. Speakers emphasized the need to address burnout, retention and competitive entry pay while continuing community investments that prevent emergency calls.
Council members and administration said they would track operating revenue and return with any adjustments needed to maintain service standards.
