EMS director presses council on salary methodology, seeks assistant director pay clarity

Stephen, director of Clinton County EMS, used the council forum to press for an equitable approach to the council’s salary survey and to argue for clearer salary stair‑steps for leadership roles. He outlined the EMS program’s accomplishments — including a 100% paramedic first‑attempt pass rate and innovations such as point‑of‑care labs and whole blood transport — and said those factors complicate straightforward midpoint reductions. "When we are considering equality, it's advocating for fairness. ... But with equity, we have to compare positions that have similar responsibilities," he told the council.

The discussion focused on a proposed midpoint change that would make an assistant director role fall to a $95,000 midpoint rather than the $102,000 budgeted this year. Council members acknowledged budget constraints and the need for a consistent classification process; they urged use of the upcoming salary survey and classification committee work to guide decisions. Several members encouraged filling critical positions while salary ranges and survey data are finalized.