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Elmsford EMS asks board to raise shift pay and approve powered stretchers as grant bid continues
Summary
EMS leaders proposed raising per‑shift pay from $100 to $125 to improve recruitment, and requested new powered stretchers (two units cost roughly $140,000–$147,000); staff said grant applications might cover one stretcher and asked the board for a temporary funding plan.
Elmsford EMS presented a staffing and equipment request during the village budget work session, asking the board to approve a shift stipend increase from $100 to $125 and to fund new powered stretchers.
The EMS chief explained that EMTs often work for multiple agencies and that current pay makes it difficult to recruit and retain staff. "With a $125 stipend it will be more attractive," the chief said, adding that staffing shortages make it hard to guarantee two EMTs on every shift. The chief asked the administrator to return with cost modeling so the board can see the budgetary impact of hiring or increasing stipends.
On equipment, EMS requested two new powered stretcher systems to improve patient handling and staff safety; the quoted total for two units would bring the equipment line from the tentative $75,000 toward about $140,000–$147,000 if both are purchased. The chief said grant applications are pending and could cover one unit; the board discussed buying one this year and one next, or delaying purchase if the grant is awarded.
Board members asked staff to return with clear cost scenarios that include wages, benefits and the potential grant revenue before any budget amendment is made. No formal vote occurred at the session.
