The Wayne County Board of Commissioners convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss several key staffing changes and budgetary adjustments impacting local services. The meeting highlighted the addition of six new full-time positions, including three in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department and three in the 911 call center, aimed at addressing increased call volumes. The new EMS roles consist of a supervisor, a paramedic, and a basic EMT, while the 911 center will add two telecommunicators and a quality assurance coordinator.

In contrast, the meeting also revealed a reduction of eight positions at the Wayne County Detention Center. This decrease is attributed to the new facility's more efficient staffing model, transitioning from a multi-story to a single-story jail. The discussion raised concerns about the financial implications of this staffing change, as it could affect projected savings that were initially factored into the jail's financing.

Additionally, the board approved two part-time positions: a receptionist in the Services on Aging department and a fire inspector in the Office of Emergency Services. Questions arose regarding the adequacy of equipment and budget provisions for these new roles, particularly for the fire inspector, who will assist in addressing a backlog of inspections.

The budget discussions also included significant financial adjustments, such as an increase in transfers to Wayne Community College by $887,857 and a $1 million allocation for a new jetport hangar. Operational expenses were cut by an additional $2 million, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage the county's fiscal responsibilities.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing emergency services while navigating the complexities of staffing and budget management in light of new facility operations. The board will continue to monitor these developments as they move forward with their fiscal planning.