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St. Mary's County emergency services budget highlights include radios, new paramedics and public hearing set
Summary
Director Jen Utz told the Emergency Services Board the commissioners' recommended FY27 package includes P25 9-1-1 upgrades, replacement EMS portables and pagers, addition of supervisory and frontline EMS staff, vehicle replacements and a public hearing on April 21, 2026.
St. Mary’s County Director of Emergency Services Jen Utz outlined the commissioners’ recommended FY27 emergency services budget at the board’s April 8 meeting, saying the package includes a P25 update for the 9-1-1 center, replacement EMS portable radios and pagers requested by volunteer partners, and equipment and staffing investments.
"Included in that package, currently is the P25 port update for the 9-1-1 center, the replacement of EMS portable radios, the new portables and radios requested on the EQ forms by our volunteer partners," Utz said. She listed personnel additions the package funds: two paramedic supervisors (EMS lieutenants), two additional EMTs and four paramedics, and funding for a replacement ambulance and turnout gear.
Utz also said the plan accounts for replacement carbon monoxide monitors on a two-year cycle and a hazmat vehicle replacement contingent on presentation of a full plan to the commissioners during upcoming budget sessions. The board was told the public hearing on the recommended budget is scheduled for April 21, 2026, and members of the public may testify before the commissioners that night.
The budget proposal also incorporates volunteer-related line items that grew from the EQ forms the county collected: new pagers and portables for volunteer units and expanded LOSAP/benefit considerations, Utz said. She did not provide a final dollar total for the FY27 request at the board meeting; budget totals and final commissioner actions will be decided through the county’s public budget process.
The board did not take a vote on the budget itself; Utz encouraged volunteers and department representatives to attend the April 21 public hearing to offer input to the commissioners.
