GREENE COUNTY, Iowa — The Greene County Board of Supervisors voted Monday to raise full-time ambulance wages across all tiers, from EMT to paramedic, after Ambulance Director Michelle Madson presented three pay scenarios aimed at staying competitive with neighboring counties and improving recruitment and retention.
Starting pay is currently $14.20 per hour for EMTs, $15 for advanced EMTs, and $23.47 for paramedics, with higher rates available based on experience, 1380 KCIM reported.
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The first proposal would raise starting pay to $22.50/hour for EMTs (a 58% increase), $24.50 for advanced EMTs (63%) and $26.50 for paramedics (12%). The highest option would set starting wages at $23.50 for EMTs, $25.50 for advanced EMTs and $28.00 for paramedics.
The proposal for the highest wage increases failed to advance, but a mid-range plan was approved in a 2–1 vote. The adopted measure sets tiered starting pay between $23 and $27 per hour for EMTs, advanced EMTs and paramedics.
