The Taylor Town Council discussed Emergency Service employee hours and the possibility of adding a second day shift during a Dec. 3 work session, but tabled the issue until more information and options are available.

Town Manager Gus Lundberg explained that rather than put on a second shift, they had done research on options to provide more coverage for ambulance services.

Fire Chief and Ambulance Director Clint Burden noted that for years Taylor had separate ambulance and separate fire departments with separate rules. Now they are one department. “Ninety-five percent of EMS people are firefighters as well,” said Burden, explaining that they want new hire EMT’s to be firefighters.

Burden said that volunteers have a hard time filling the demands such as tests and certifications. He spoke of the 7K exemption, which he said will cause employees to lose some overtime, noting, “They are disgruntled. It hurts when you take it out of paychecks. I want to make it up to them.”

Town Attorney Karl Lautz explained the 7K Exemption found in the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows essential employees engaged in fire protection to work up to 212 hours in a 28-day period before they become eligible for overtime pay.

“It allows the town to increase the number of hours of service before the overtime pay kicks in,” said Lautz. “It was designed specifically for employees engaged in fire protection.”

Mayor Hatch asked Burden if he had feedback from employees.

Burden noted that this has been talked about for years and by the previous chief. “I haven’t been excited about it. I want to keep my people happy, too,” he said. “I can see the purpose of it,” explaining that while waiting for a call they have down time or sleep time, but still get the same pay as when they are on a call or working at the station.

Current budgeted wages total $300,000, with half the chief’s salary paid by the EMS budget, and they would need approximately $160,000 to put on a second 12-hour crew with two full-time employees who were guaranteed 40 hours a week.

There was discussion on eight-hour shifts, five days a week, but Burden said he felt it would cause some confusion and problems in ranks.

“There are people who don’t want to fill those kinds of shifts,” said the chief.

Lundberg said they had about $80,000 in the last budget due to some changes and based on projected income, but those funds compete with all the other departments and they are trying to rebuild the rainy day fund.

Councilman Jason Brubaker said it was brought to him that residents would be willing to pay a little extra tax to pay for another crew.

“That’s all fine and dandy until you try to bill them,” said Councilman David Smith.

Brubaker suggested they use the $80,000 for a year and see what happens.

“What are your thoughts?” Smith asked Burden.

“I think we’ve come to the conclusion we can’t afford it,” he replied.

Smith suggested they look at eight-hour shifts, stating, “We don’t know until we try.”

“I can’t guarantee it will work,” said the chief.

Brubaker suggested they reduce the hours to eight, but allow a little overtime, too.

After the hour-long work session, the mayor asked Burden to keep working with Lundberg.

“We want to help you wherever we can, and we’re willing to do that,” said the mayor.

The item was tabled until they have further information.

During the council’s regular meeting, Lundberg noted that they will continue to look at options for EMS.