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Council approves additional overtime funds for Fire and EMS after staffing and storm impacts
Summary
Council approved a budget amendment adding $20,000 for fire overtime and $115,000 for EMS after staff described injuries, FMLA leave, open positions and storm responses that strained staffing; the additional EMS unit responded to 186 calls with estimated revenue of $62,866.
Washington, North Carolina — The Washington City Council on March 9 approved a budget ordinance amendment to add $20,000 for fire operations and $115,000 for EMS to cover overtime costs driven by injuries, FMLA leave, open positions, storm responses and maintaining an additional EMS unit.
City staff outlined five factors increasing overtime: injured workers requiring backfill; sick leave and FMLA absences (157 days cited); open positions from retirement/resignations (66 days cited); storm response (the January winter storm required 792 person‑hours); and staffing an additional EMS unit that logged 186 responses between Jan. 5 and Feb. 28 with estimated revenue of $62,866.
Councilmember Max Perreault moved to approve the amendment and the motion carried. Council also discussed historical overtime transfers, noting a $75,809 transfer in FY 24‑25 to cover deficits. The council’s action approved the additional appropriation to maintain emergency response coverage and staffing minimums for 24/7 operations.
