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Decision Point #3: Emergency Medical Services Transportation Commissioner Gordon asked about the cost to implement this. Rod Visser said that it would be substantially more expensive next year 2004-05, because there would be full-time permanent positions. The estimated cast is $200-300,000 more than this year once there is full staffing. For 2003-04, the relative cost is only $5-10,000 more. The main reason is that temporary staff would deliver a substantial portion of the services. John Link said that they are also anticipating the revenue to go up, so the net increase may not be $300,000, but will probably be less. The budgeted EMS revenue for 2003-2004 is $1,050,000. Far the current fiscal year, the budget was $800,000. One of the reasons is the proposed change in the fee schedule. Commissioner Halkiotis asked about contributing to the rescue squad right now. EMS Director Nick Waters said that their budget is $750,000, but the budget request was $900,000. He said that what the County is putting in to these positions, they are going to be getting back from revenues. He said that this was important to point out. Chair Brown asked about the fees and what would happen if someone calls 911 and it is determined that there really is not an emergency and they are not transported. Nick Waters said that this would be free unless there is some treatment, then there is a treat and release fee, which is $100 or $150, depending on the treatment. All patient assessments are free; there is only a charge for treatment. The Board agreed on Decision Point #3, as follows: - Confirm the Board's June 16 decision to implement the Manager's Recommended Service Delivery Change for Emergency Medical Services Transportation including specific action to: - Authorize the creation of 8 new full-time equivalent positions effective June 30, 2003 to complete Phase 1 of the service delivery change for Emergency Medical Services Transportation -Authorize the creation of 1 new full-time equivalent position effective October 1, 2003 as Phase 2 of the service delivery change for Emergency Medical Services Transportation. -Authorize the creation of 9 new full-time equivalent positions effective January 1, 2004 as Phase 3 of the service delivery change for Emergency Medical Services Transportation. Commissioner Jacobs° Budget Proposal: Commissioner Jacobs said that the items with an asterisk are also reflected in appendix G. He worked with Donna Dean and Elaine Holmes and Jahn Link and the proposals are generally acceptable. Chair Brown asked about prioritization. John Link said that his priorities are on the screen. He recommended $100,000 coming out of the emergency generators, $50,000 out of the general equipment, $25,000 out of Recreation and Parks, $25,000 out of Information and Technology, $50,000 out of Lake Michael, and $50,000 out of the roofing projects. He thinks this is doable. Chair Brown suggested putting Lake Michael as a challenge grant to Mebane instead of just giving them money. Commissioner Gordon agreed with the challenge grant idea.