The Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District Board of Directors authorized the fire department to hire a new paramedic on July 1.
Though budgeted over the last year and in the next budget year, 2002-03, the position had not been filled. The board had been unable to authorize the position because it was uncertain it had the cash flow to cover the position.
When fire department staff asked for authorization to hire for the position on July 1, the board remained concerned about having enough cash flow. The board met April 30 to discuss the issue after Chairman Don Hopkins could figure out whether the district would have the cash to fill the position.
For fiscal year 2001-02, the district spent an average of $83,180 per month. Hopkins estimates, based on last year’s figures, an average expense of $81,404 per month, a total of $569,828, until November when property taxes are available. The district will have an estimated $656,384 in resources available for operations through November after paying off a loan from last year, purchasing an ambulance and paying insurance. That leaves an estimated $86,556 through November.
A new paramedic will cost the district about $60,000, leaving about $26,000 in cash until taxes become available at the end of November.
These figures do not represent any increases in salaries or benefits, Hopkins said. Health insurance is expected to increase by 18 to 25 percent.
District staff asked the board to fill the new paramedic position to provide help staffing ambulances. Call loads over the last two years have increased from around 1,400 to 1,700. The call load this year remains on track to continue at the same levels.
Paramedics are being called in on days off to cover multiple calls.
Fire Chief Mike Beaver is not sure how the position would be scheduled. It could be a regular 40-hour position or be scheduled with odd hours to cover various needs. Staff is looking at where call volumes are the highest to help make that decision.
The position could be used to cover extended vacations or sick employees.
“When we’re at full staff with three people on every day,” Chief Beaver said. “It’s going to be nice.”
When Chief Beaver is on, that adds a fourth paramedic during the day.
Each day, the district has a battalion chief, paramedic and an intern, enough to staff one and a half ambulances, plus Chief Beaver during the day.
With the decision, the district’s available cash would drop to about $26,000. The board agreed to borrow $100,000 to cover any unexpected emergencies during the next seven months. The money would be placed in a money market account, which should cover most of the interest costs of the loan.