EMS director seeks $11,000 increase; new ambulance due and medication restock challenges noted

Kara Lawrence, Pawnee County EMS Director, presented the department's proposed 2027 budget asking for an $11,000 increase to cover step-wage adjustments and a possible cost-of-living adjustment. Lawrence said contractual payments and commodities have trended below budget in recent years and that some costly medications have been removed from routine purchasing after reviewing usage.

Lawrence told commissioners a grant covered radios this year so capital outlay could be shifted to pay for a new ambulance, which is scheduled for delivery. She reported Pawnee Valley Community Hospital's pharmacy cannot reliably restock supplies because it lacks a full-time pharmacist; commissioners asked Lawrence to provide contracted fuel costs and other details for budget review. The board did not approve the requested increase at the meeting; Lawrence asked the commissioners to consider a 2.5% increase in the director's wage in recognition of her upcoming five-year anniversary.