Dispatch and EMS: Stratford's communications and ambulance budgets are flat but face staffing and supply pressures

JP Trzinski, superintendent of dispatch, told the council the communications budget (page 50) shows about a $78,000 year‑over‑year increase and that a recent vacancy and training time (10–11 months for a new dispatcher) have driven overtime and a likely small deficit this year.

Trzinski answered a question about increased printing and stationery costs by noting the dispatch center uses color NCIC printers and that replacement ink cartridges can be expensive ("the ink cartridges are about $400 each now").

On EMS, the council heard that EMS operates as an enterprise fund whose revenues are intended to match expenses. The EMS presenter described this year as "pretty flat and lean," told the council the mayor's proposed budget allows EMS to operate as in prior years, and cited several cost‑savings: roughly $50,000 saved on regional radio communications and $8,000 removed in hospital linen costs. The EMS representative said staffing challenges, inflation on consumables and per‑diem/staffing costs remain significant pressures.

Panelists discussed Narcan (naloxone) kits: EMS said the department received a supply of free Narcan kits for a "leave behind" program and is awaiting OEMS guidance on implementation. Council members discussed the enterprise fund mechanics and how staffing (or lack of minimum staffing clauses) means revenue depends on transport counts and insurance collections; the EMS presenter noted the town typically subsidizes in‑town event coverage and unbillable services in a range the presenter put at roughly $400,000–$450,000 annually.

On response times, EMS cited average lights‑and‑siren responses of about 5–7 minutes and non‑emergency responses of around 11–12 minutes and described placing a daytime ambulance at Oronoke to reduce response times in outlying areas. Mutual aid agreements with neighboring providers (AMR, Nelson, Shelton, Trumbull) remain part of the contingency plan for staffing shortfalls.

Ending: The council praised public safety staff, asked for follow‑up on reserve fund levels and EMS financial detail, and recessed the workshop for a later date.