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Hampshire County reviews new state EMS funding: $40,000–$100,000 estimated in first year; volunteer scholarships possible
Summary
Commissioners discussed a new state-funded EMS program expected to allocate roughly $40,000–$100,000 to Hampshire County in the first year, with money restricted to approved categories (not salary increases). An attorney-general opinion permits volunteer recruitment/retention scholarships.
Commissioner Mance briefed the Hampshire County Commission on a newly enacted state EMS funding law and the county’s likely share. He said initial calculations provided to the county indicate a first-year allocation in the range of $40,000 to $100,000, noting the actual amount will depend on state lottery revenue and how many eligible counties participate.
"The county can expect somewhere between, based on our initial understanding... somewhere between 40,000 and $100,000 within the first year," Mance said, cautioning that the figure could vary in future years.
Staff emphasized that the state intends the program to supplement local EMS efforts but restricts certain uses: the funds cannot be used for salary increases. Training, emergency mental health services, recruitment and retention programs are eligible categories, Mance said. The commission discussed whether to create local scholarship programs for EMS volunteers; staff reported an attorney-general opinion that authorizes scholarship funds for volunteer EMS and fire recruitment and retention, though not for salaries of paid personnel.
Clerk/administrative staff briefed commissioners on a recommended administrative transfer — moving $75,000 from the no-fee account into the fee account to help meet an upcoming payroll for EMS services — and suggested the matter appear on the next meeting agenda for consideration. Commissioners also approved appointments of Lisa Sortberg and Blake Schockey to the Northeastern Regional Emergency Medical Services Board, noting the regional board had resumed activity after several years of dormancy.
Why it matters: The new state allocation could provide recurring, restricted funding for training, recruitment and other non-salary EMS needs at a time when many rural counties struggle to recruit and retain volunteer responders. County leaders emphasized that the amount is preliminary and that distribution depends on state processes and participation by other counties.
Next steps: Staff and the HCSA team will continue to track state rulemaking and distribution schedules; the commission placed related budget and personnel items on the next meeting agenda for further action.
