Raises approved for Mason County EMS workers, EMT pay still below nearby counties

MASON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The Mason County Commission has approved raises for EMS workers in the county.

According to the commission, some employees will receive a $2 raise while others receive a $1 raise, depending on their positions.

The urging for raises comes as Mason County EMS was forced to go down to two ambulances from three due to seven resignations within the past month and a half. According to Mason County EMS Director Scott Ballard, a key factor in those resignations was not enough pay for their workers.

He had previously been able to negotiate a $1 raise for EMTs, but he said that was still not enough, and it had to come out of the EMS budget. Thursday’s commission decision adds an extra dollar onto that raise.

The initial raise also only allowed for EMTs to get raises, although Ballard told WOWK 13 News last week that his other employees also deserved a pay raise. But in the meeting Thursday, it was announced the EMS workers will now be making the following:

• EMTs – A $2 raise to $13.25 per hour/$43,463.18 annually (Previously $11.25 per hour)
• AEMTs – A $1 raise to $15.75 per hour/$51,663.78 annually (Previously $14.75 per hour)
• Medics – A $1 raise to $17 per hour/$55,960.89 annually (Previously $16 per hour)
• Transport EMTs – A $2 raise to $17.77 per hour/$39,737.98 annually (Previously $15.77 per hour)
• Transport Medics – A $1 raise to $24 per hour/$53,669.96 annually (Previously $23 per hour)

Despite the raises, there are still several counties where EMTs make more than Mason County’s crew. They are now making only 30 cents less than Gallia County’s EMTs who make $13.55. Putnam County EMS workers make $15:20, Meigs County EMS workers make $16.15, Clay County EMS workers make $14, and Cabell County EMS workers make $19.33.

Mason County Commissioner Rick Handley said the commission is doing everything they can to ensure the workers get more pay.

“We are trying to do the best we can to give these employees wo are underpaid – they deserve more. We all agree with that. All three county commissioners agree, but you can’t spend a whole lot more than what you have,” Handley said.

This is a developing story and WOWK 13 News will update this article with more information from the meeting.

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