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Emery County earmarks $200,000 of annual PILT for five years to EMS on‑call pay
Summary
The commission voted to allocate the first $200,000 of future state PILT funds annually for five years to the Emery County Emergency Medical Service District to raise on‑call pay and aid recruitment and retention, with commissioners noting uncertainty in PILT totals and keeping budget options available to other districts.
The Emery County Commission on July 21 voted to allocate the first $200,000 of incoming state PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) funds each year for five years to the Emery County Emergency Medical Service District to increase on‑call pay and help stabilize staffing.
A commissioner explained the plan: earmarking the first PILT tranche to support an across‑the‑board increase in on‑call pay (the district had discussed raising on‑call pay by about $2.50/hour) to improve recruitment and retention of EMTs. Commissioners debated the total PILT amount is variable year‑to‑year and that the county will still need to pass a resolution once the funds arrive.
"If we commit to five years and find out after a year that it didn't increase our on‑call availability, then what do we do?" the Chair asked, noting the risk of committing future revenue. Other commissioners said locking in multi‑year support helps the district retain staff and gives the district stability.
Commissioners discussed alternatives and transitional funding: the county has solar‑related funds in this year's budget that could cover the initial 2026‑27 need while PILT arrives in September. One commissioner proposed $250,000; the board ultimately agreed on $200,000 with the understanding the existing $70,000 budgeted for EMS from solar funds would be used for this year's needs and the commission would monitor and adjust distributions to other districts as needed.
The motion was moved and seconded and recorded as approved by roll call. The allocation is a county policy decision setting expectations for how incoming PILT monies will be used; a formal resolution will be prepared once the funds are received.
Next steps: county staff will prepare the required resolution and coordinate with the EMS special service district to disburse the funds when PILT arrives expected in September.
