“No one will lose their job”: Pender EMS and Fire holds board meeting to discuss merging process
"No one will lose their job. We may have to look at response and population growth and add to that,"
PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) –An emergency board meeting for Pender EMS and Fire was held Wednesday night- a week after some county commissioners planned to incorporate the private organization into the county’s government.
People’s frustrations are still growing among those who filled the hallway and room in Pender’s Board of Commissioners Chambers. Folks are upset that Pender EMS and Fire will soon be under county rule. Also, knowing about county commissioners adding three of its own members to the EMS and Fire board of directors.
Top of mind for residents is job security, but board member Randy Burton no one’s job is on the line.
“No one will lose their job. We may have to look at response and population growth and add to that,” Burton said.
After a merger of Pender EMS and Fire with the county was approved last week, the EMS and Fire Board of Directors gathered to discuss the information the county needs for the transition.
“It’ll be an onboarding process through HR. All that stuff is vital to know how many employees are coming and pay rate- we have to plug all of the money into the budget,” Burton explained.
However, first responders want a transition plan from the county to see what the information is for.
“I think the plan is necessary for this to continue to move forward and not kick the road. As they’ve said,” said Lt. Roger Rozell with the Fire Division.
With animosity coming from both the county and emergency workers, Lieutenant Rozell worries this transition will not go positively. Even though he thinks it should.
“Our administration, commissioners, and our board of directors all agree on the same sentiment that the fire division needs to be taken care of. Retire needs to be looked at- benefits and so on,” Roger shared.
The board of directors will have a town hall in the future to hear more public comments.
