Jefferson County Fire & EMS is facing serious financial challenges, leading to the layoff of four employees, including an administrative position. The cuts come after a 14-month gap in EMS billing due to delays in reapplying for a new tax ID following the merger of the fire department and EMS into a single organization.
How Did This Happen?
Fire Chief Blake explained that after the merger in July 2022, Jefferson County Fire & EMS lost its ability to bill for EMS services until a new tax ID and Medicare/Medicaid numbers were approved. The process, initially expected to take nine months, stretched to 16 months, leaving the department in a financial hole.
“Unfortunately, during that merger, we found out that we were going to lose our revenue. And because we’ve lost our revenue for 14 months, we are in a budget deficit that we’re trying to dig out of right now,” Blake said.
What This Means for the Community
Jefferson County Fire & EMS currently has 26 staff members, but with four fewer employees, services will inevitably be affected.
- Longer response times due to fewer available crews.
- Increased workload on remaining staff, which could lead to burnout.
- Resource reliability concerns—fewer personnel mean fewer available units for simultaneous emergencies.
“It’s going to impact our response times,” said Blake. “It will also impact our resource reliability because fewer people will do the jobs.”
The Financial Hole: $890,000 in Cuts
In addition to the layoffs, the department is cutting $890,000 in expenses for the next fiscal year. Chief Blake is considering new funding options, including a straight EMS tax fee that could generate revenue without relying solely on property tax levies.
“It would be a fee that may be levied far cheaper than a tax levy would do,” Blake said. “However, it would provide more funding and ensure that everybody pays the same amount for EMS services.”
Community Concerns
For Jefferson County residents, this is an alarming development. Emergency services are already stretched thin in rural areas, and further reductions could put lives at risk.
Fifth-generation Jefferson County farmer Evan Thomas voiced his concerns:
“It’s really important that we figure out how to get staff back,” said Thomas. “Being a rural community, it’s already pretty long response times. And you start getting more people in, each of us in the community will not be as protected as we were before this.”
Chief Blake Responds to Concerns
Chief Blake has addressed rumors and concerns about the department’s finances, layoffs, and even an anonymous letter accusing the agency of misusing funds. In a December 16, 2024, press release, he clarified:
- No misuse of funds—money was spent on station upgrades, new equipment, and enhanced training programs.
- PERS retirement contributions are being resolved—employees will receive their full benefits as if contributions had been made on time.
- Budget problems stem from the EMS merger delay, not financial mismanagement.
- Despite challenges, fire and EMS services will continue operating 24/7.
Jefferson County Fire & EMS has also applied three times for state funding, hoping to secure additional revenue to stabilize the budget.
Looking Ahead
Chief Blake encourages residents to stay informed and ask questions. He has pledged transparency as the department navigates these financial difficulties and explores solutions to maintain emergency services.
“We will take all necessary actions to resolve current financial and operational challenges and ensure the long-term viability of the agency,” said Blake.
If you have concerns or want more details, Chief Blake encourages the public to reach out directly.
🔥 Your thoughts? How do you feel about these layoffs and budget cuts? Should Jefferson County implement an EMS tax fee? Let me know in the comments!