The Greene County Board of Supervisors approved increasing full-time ambulance employee salaries during this (Monday) morning’s meeting. Three different scenarios were presented to the members, raising wages for all tier positions — from EMT to paramedic —by the Greene County Ambulance Director, Michelle Madson, as a way to stay competitive with neighboring counties and to attract and retain quality candidates. Current wages start at $14.20 an hour for EMTs, $15 for advanced EMTs, and $23.47 for paramedics, but could be higher depending on experience. The first proposal increased the starting pay of EMTs to $22.50 per hour —a 58 percent increase —advanced EMTs to $24.50 —a 63 percent increase —and paramedics to $26.50 per hour —a 12 percent increase. The highest increase package proposes $23.50 per hour for EMTs, $25.50 for advanced EMTs, and $28 for paramedics. Supervisor Dan Benitz motioned to approve the highest percent increase, but the motion failed for lack of a second. A motion by Supervisor Pete Bardole to approve the median price plan, ranging from $23 to $27 per hour for the tiers, and seconded by Supervisor Dawn Rudolph. The proposal was approved with Benitz being the sole nay vote. The department currently has 6 full-time employees and has lost staffing to other agencies due to significantly higher wages.
