Stanwood approves EMS incentive pay, reviews volunteer background checks and notes new ambulance service

The Stanwood City Council in 2021 approved an EMS incentive-pay policy, reviewed volunteer background-check requirements and discussed EMS board agreements and billing concerns.

On Dec. 13 the council approved EMS incentive pay through Resolution 2021-03, with the minutes recording rates of drivers $15, EMTs $20 and meeting pay $10. Earlier meetings documented ongoing discussion about how volunteers are compensated and a request for clarification on whether active members receive pay for maintaining EMT licenses. The clerk was directed to consult the EMS coordinator (Coordinator Coppess) and to draft related policy language.

Minutes show the new ambulance was placed into service earlier in the year; Richard Meyer reported the ambulance was in service and the EMS reported increasing call volumes (for example, 115 calls to date in October and 151 calls to date in December). Council and EMS leaders discussed incentive pay, background checks, and the need to draft 28E agreements with townships to secure funding.

The council approved background-check policy changes for new hires and volunteers (with EMTs noted as an exception in some instances) and discussed incentive-pay budget implications when adopting the FY2022 budget.

The record does not include full text of the resolution beyond the rate schedule nor detailed employment contracts; the clerk was tasked to consult the city attorney and the EMS coordinator to finalize paperwork and follow-up implementation.