Paramedics and EMS frustrated with Raytown plan to transfer emergency services
Employees found out Thursday they may not have a job past November
Employees found out Thursday they may not have a job past November
Employees found out Thursday they may not have a job past November
Paramedics and EMS workers packed Raytown City Hall Tuesday night.
The city wants to transfer emergency medical services to the fire protection district.
About two-dozen people showed up to the Raytown Board of Aldermen meeting.
Workers say they're concerned, 29 of them are on the job now, but the fire protection district only plans to re-hire 13.
In the meeting - a sea of red.
"It's been extremely, extremely concerning, and very emotional for the employees," said Taylor Seedorff, the Fire/EMS Union President.
Employees found out Thursday they may not have a job past November.
"What we have not appreciated up to this point is being left out of the loop, being left out of the loop entirely," said Seedorff.
It's the city's third attempt at the change. The move will save the city several hundred thousand dollars each year.
"The board is willing to make those hard decisions now, dealing with staff," said Assistant City Administrator Damon Hodges during that meeting. "This is not an easy decision to make, but they are trying to make the decision that they have to make in order to help the residents move forward with what they think will be the best service."
For years, staffing has been a struggle, often only allowing for one ambulance.
The fire protection district says it will improve response times, and staff three ambulances.
"These are the services that our residents need, want, and we should provide," said Raytown Fire Protection District Chief Matt Mace. "I live here in town. These are my neighbors. These are the people who I want to do more for. Ultimately we believe the fire protection district provides that best opportunity.
The fire district says its goals are better service for citizens while helping with employee burnout, retention, and advancement.
"Finding out that you were potentially going to lose your job all the way around if things didn't fall into place is a jarring experience," said Seedorff.
Since 2016, Kansas City EMS has provided 783 ambulance calls to help Raytown. That's something Raytown has only reciprocated twice.
If both the city and the fire protection boards approve the agreement, the transition will begin November 17.
Voters still need to give their approval and pass a tax increase next year.