The Pulaski County Council reorganized when they met for their first meeting of 2025 Monday, January 13.
Mike Tiede was voted to take over the president’s position and there were two nominations for vice president. AJ Gutwein was nominated with Tim Overmyer, AJ Gutwein and Brad Bonnell voting in favor of the nomination. Sheila Jimenez was nominated as vice prseident with Jerry Locke, Jeff Richwine, Sheila Jimenez and Mike Tiede voting in favor of the nomination. Jimenez was voted to take over the vice chair.
Additionally, the council agreed to move their joint session meeting time to 5 p.m. ET and their regular session meetings to 6 p.m. ET. Meetings will still occur on the second Monday of the month.
The Pulaski County Council then heard from EMS Director Natasha Daugherty previously stated that she would like to see a more competitive wage to attract EMTs and paramedics to service the community, and to retain the current staff. She said the current wages are a big issue when compared to surrounding areas. Luckily, the ambulances remain fully staffed to assist the public.
The current wages for full-time staff are $13.08 for an EMT, $14.87 for an advanced EMT, and $19.03 for a paramedic. The director currently makes $23.79 an hour. EMS staff works 24 hour shifts with two days off which is within national standards.
She is proposing an increase to $15.60 for an EMT wage, $16.90 for an advanced EMT, and $20.80 for a paramedic. The director pay would increase to about $26.00 an hour.
The proposed wages are still lower than surrounding communities.
In total, the increases would total $47,060.60 in this year’s budget. She pointed to the total of overtime paid out last year which came to an additional appropriation of $50,000.
Council President Mike Tiede suggested that three council members discuss this in a committee and bring back a recommendation to the full council in an upcoming meeting. Council members AJ Gutwin, Tim Overmyer and Sheila Jimenez agreed to serve on the committee.
