Otis EMS working group aims for 24/7 coverage within a year; budget adjustments expected

Members of the Town of Otis EMS Working Group on Feb. 24 reviewed starting FY25 budget figures and concluded the department can maintain current staffing while planning a transition to round-the-clock coverage within about a year.

Brandi Page, a committee member, said she had budgeted three additional full-time employees but the working group determined the budget should account for four. Page said she would revisit the health-insurance line item to make room for that fourth position and asked colleagues to send job descriptions so she could place EMTs on the town pay scale.

Chris Bouchard, a committee member, said the advisory board plans to meet to clarify whether ORS intends to pull all four quarters of its FY25 budget; the group deferred scheduling a follow-up meeting until Bouchard can report back and the town’s special town meeting (STM) is past.

Fred Freeman, a committee member, asked whether the town’s rates are competitive with Comstar and what the town is billing. The minutes note that Comstar provides a “top 75” benchmarking report and that the town’s rates will now be considered municipal rates. Freeman also proposed creating a small committee to review hardship applications for residents unable to pay EMS bills; the working group agreed to consider the idea.

No formal motions or votes were recorded in the minutes. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. and adjourned at 7:46 p.m.; the working group set the next meeting date to be determined after Bouchard’s meeting with ORS.