(ANGOLA) - Steuben County EMS is facing rising staffing costs as paramedic vacancies continue to strain the department's budget.
During Tuesday's meeting of the Steuben County Council, EMS Administrator Alicis Walsh requested a budget transfer to cover increased part-time staffing expenses.
Walsh said vacant paramedic positions have forced the department to rely on overtime and additional part-time staffing to maintain ambulance coverage throughout the county. Command staff members have also filled shifts when needed.
The council approved the transfer after Walsh reported that two full-time paramedics have recently been hired. She said the additions should help reduce staffing pressures and overtime expenses in the coming months.
Walsh noted that EMS agencies across the region continue to compete for a limited number of certified paramedics.