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Bradley County EMS asks for roughly $2.08 million increase for raises, ambulances and convalescent vans
Summary
At the March 11 EMS Committee meeting, Director Adam Lewis outlined a FY 2026–27 request totaling about $2,075,648 for pay increases, a monitor lease, two convalescent vans with crews and a new ALS ambulance; he proposed offsets including opioid funds and Fund 189.
The Bradley County EMS Department presented a detailed fiscal‑year 2026–27 funding request to the EMS Committee on March 11, 2026. Director Adam Lewis said the department’s proposal includes equipment leases, staffing increases and vehicle purchases intended to address recruitment, retention and service capacity.
Key line items in Director Lewis’s presentation included a Stryker LifePack 35 monitor lease ($123,500) and a training captain position ($32,500); an increase to starting pay and a 1% step plan (first‑year personnel cost listed at $487,234); two convalescent vans and related equipment ($610,000) with staffing for two crews (four full‑time positions, $300,000); and one new ALS ambulance and required equipment ($425,000). Director Lewis estimated other costs for insurance and licensing around $97,418. The presentation displayed a cumulative figure of about $2,075,648 in year‑one increases.
Director Lewis suggested partially offsetting the plan from opioid funds and Fund 189 and said the two convalescent vans could generate additional revenue while serving discharge and non‑emergency transport needs. Committee members asked questions about revenue assumptions and timing; Commissioner Howard Thompson expressed support for the request and Chair Josh Rogers thanked Lewis for the presentation. No formal committee vote to appropriate funds occurred at the meeting; the request will proceed through standard budget review channels.
Why this matters: The EMS request would materially increase county spending on emergency medical services, staffing and fleet capacity. If adopted, the plan would change pay structure, add vehicles and staff and rely in part on restricted or one‑time funding sources.
