With EMS Week fast approaching , members of the Greeneville/Greene County Emergency Medical Services Board met Thursday afternoon ahead of the week long celebration and recognition for emergency medical services professionals.
AUDIT RESULTS
EMS Director T.J. Manis reported two required audits of the department each year had been accepted. The audit from the state comptroller showed no findings. The State Office of EMS audit returned with two minor findings but a plan of corrections was accepted.
PROPOSED EMS BUDGET
The proposed EMS Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, which was approved at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting May 6th, was explained to the board. The operations budget increase was $89,000, 2% more than the current year. Click here for that story from Radio Greeneville News reported last week.
NEW EQUIPMENT
Director Manis also went over planned purchase of equipment also approved by Budget and Finance. The Radio Greeneville News story on the full list of purchases reported to the Budget and Finance Committee last Thursday can be found by clicking here.
AEMT/EMT CLASS UPDATE
Manis and Assistant Director Myron Hughes reported interest continues to grow from those who might want to work in their field. A recent public call for those interested in participating in an EMT Class on Saturdays this summer has already had 36 applicants. Only 20 will be accepted. Also several in the Advanced EMT class have already passed their test with more pending. Mains reported EMS currently has a total of 81 employees.
QUARTERLY SURVEY
The board was also presented results of the quarterly employee survey, an effort begun last year to offer employees an opportunity to address their work related environment and for leaders of the department to evaluate what adjustments might be able to be made internally based on the employees input.
RATES
Rates for use of EMS services will be going up next fiscal year. Director Mains and Office Manager Jessica Bowers presented suggested rate increases of around $100, which vary based on the level of service rather than a flat percentage increase. The most recent rate adjustments were in 2022. Board members suggested they at least evaluate any adjustments more frequently such as each year. Director Manis he would also be open to presenting a mid-year update to the board.
EMS WEEK
Next week, May 17-23 is EMS Week across the country, a time to recognize the dedication of emergency medical services professionals. Locally, several businesses and organizations provide lunch for EMS employees. Board members, department retirees and others are invited to visit during the week at the EMS Headquarters at 1027 Forest Street.
