The Baker County Board of County Commissioners convened on August 5, 2025, for a budget workshop focused on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and fire department funding. The meeting highlighted significant discussions regarding staffing, overtime costs, and employee morale.

The workshop began with a review of the current budget allocations for EMS, which included a previous expenditure of $88,000 plus benefits. The discussion emphasized the need for additional staffing to reduce reliance on mandatory overtime, which has been a source of frustration for employees. Commissioners noted that the current system often requires personnel to stay beyond their scheduled shifts, negatively impacting morale.

A proposal was made to hire additional staff to alleviate the burden of mandatory overtime. This approach was framed as a cost-neutral solution, as it would replace existing overtime expenses with regular salaries. The commissioners discussed the potential benefits of having a more stable workforce, which could lead to improved employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.

The conversation also touched on the financial implications of the proposed staffing changes. It was noted that the total costs associated with hiring new personnel, including benefits, would be comparable to the current expenditures on overtime and part-time staff. The commissioners expressed a desire for clear, detailed financial projections to better understand the impact of these changes.

In conclusion, the workshop underscored the importance of addressing employee morale through strategic staffing decisions. The board agreed to further analyze the budgetary figures and explore the feasibility of implementing the proposed staffing changes in the upcoming fiscal year. The next steps will involve compiling detailed financial data to support informed decision-making in future meetings.