The management of Emergency Medical Services is breaking Iolas budget and management is top-heavy, an outside expert told Iola Council members Monday night.
Overtime, especially, is a budget-buster, with more than 75% of that charged coming from the fire department and ambulance services.
Wichita State Universitys Matt Stiles delivered the bad news as part of a staffing and organizational study requested by Iola Council members.
According to Stiles, who works in the schools public policy center, the city needs to review its EMS contract with Allen County.
I dont think its an issue of overstaffing. In fact, I think it is probably understaffed in those departments, Stiles said. But it is difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel with medical training to this area.
Stiles said the most time costly service the city provides is medical transfers.
If the city wants to retain the service, Stiles suggested it could raise its rates to help defer expenses. According the Stiles, some of the fees charged for services are low compared to market levels.
If the city decides to exit the contract with the county, it would need to do so by June 2020.
Iolas contract currently runs through December 2020.
The city currently pays a base starting pay of $40,800 to firefighters and emergency medical technicians, which is higher than most cities in the area.
Stiles said the city had other efficiency issues. According to a survey of city employees, 79% said that their departments had inefficient processes, which Stiles said related mostly to paperwork. However, 69% of supervisors said they felt their departments ran efficiently.
Too many chiefs
Stiles also noted management is top-heavy and recommended combining several departments. Stiles suggested putting electric distribution, gas, water, wastewater, water and wastewater treatment all under the umbrella of public utilities.
Under the responsibility of public grounds could be park and cemetery and recreation.
And the city clerks department should include that of storekeeper, Stiles recommended.
