The Emergency Medical Services Specialist I/II classifications require training and/or licensure at an advanced level to assist in the planning, developing, implementing, and monitoring of a comprehensive EMS program for the City, in accordance with County, State, and Federal standard procedures and best practices.  The primary duties of the positions include conducting needs assessments, providing ongoing emergency medical training and EMT-B certification for officers, assisting in quality improvement efforts, and planning and implementing public education activities. The positions also conduct research and analyze data to identify current and projected demographics and emergency response patterns, and to recommend service enhancements. 

Internal and external comparability studies were conducted to determine appropriate benchmarks for positions similar in scope and duties.  The salaries for the classifications were calculated to include the anticipated annual increases for the current fiscal year, consistent with the appropriate benchmark classes.

The adopted budget for FY 2003-04 includes one position funded for the EMS I level, and one position for the EMS II level. However, based upon the survey data, the recommended salary for the EMS II is approximately 15% higher than budgeted. The Department of Public Safety will absorb this difference for this fiscal year, using vacancy savings generated during the creation of the class and the pending recruitment period. The Department will plan accordingly for payroll expenses for the position in future budgeting cycles.

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.

1.      Amend the City's Classification Plan to include the Emergency Medical Services Specialist I/II and incorporate the salary and benefits for these new classes in the FY 2003-04 Salary Resolution.

2.      Do not amend the Classification Plan and do not incorporate in the FY 2003-04 Salary Resolution.

Adopt Alternative 1; amend the City's Classification Plan to include the Emergency Medical Services Specialist I/II and incorporate the new classifications in the FY 2003-04 Salary Resolution.