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Ambulance salaries rise, new ambulance lacks Power Load stretcher; FinCom considers funding options
Summary
Ambulance salaries rose about 16.15% under a new union contract that increased overtime and per-diem costs; the new ambulance purchase did not include a Power Load stretcher (estimated $75,000), and FinCom noted Stabilization ($274,000) as a possible funding source.
FinCom reviewed the Ambulance budget, which reflected a 16.15% salary increase driven by a new three-year union contract introducing a shift coverage system that increased per-diem and overtime spending. Chief Patrick Rolston told the committee that Tisbury continues to lose paramedics to towns paying higher wages, such as Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, which complicates recruitment and long-term staffing.
The committee also discussed capital equipment: the new ambulance purchase did not include a Power Load stretcher, an item estimated at $75,000. FinCom members noted the town’s Stabilization account balance ($274,000) as one possible source to fund the stretcher and asked Chief Rolston to check with the Town Clerk about a stretcher article.
Members raised occupational-health and safety arguments for Power Load stretchers (they allow a single person to load/unload and reduce back-injury risk). FinCom requested additional procurement clarification and cost details before deciding whether to recommend Stabilization funding or another source.
