Committee hears that new EMS position is grant-funded, will include sunset provision

Committee members asked why a new emergency medical services (EMS) position was being added before the October budget cycle and whether the role would be permanent. County staff responded that the position is funded by a recurring grant, was being budgeted for the remainder of the year and would be subject to a sunset provision tied to the grant award. Staff said if grant funding ended, the county would follow usual procedures to notify and either terminate the position or consider shifting it to another county department.

The committee approved adding the position at this meeting. Members asked for clarification about timing and whether the position could wait for the regular budget process; staff said grant timing and the need to set up the position to support EMS changes motivated acting sooner. The committee did not record additional formal directions beyond approving the measure.

Clarifying detail: staff said the grant-based position would expire six months from the award date, and that the award date had fluctuated depending on state timelines.

No specific salary or classification details were provided during the committee discussion recorded in the transcript.