Fitchburg EMS Commission Meeting - December 18, 2025

The Fitchburg EMS Commission met on December 18, 2025, to review routine approvals, receive the Chief's operational report, authorize equipment purchases using federal reimbursement funds, and discuss and approve a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with Local 311. The meeting included extensive discussion on parental leave, training benefits, scheduling procedures, and wage increases.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (November 13, 2025): Approved unanimously.
• Approval of Accounts Payable Checks: Approved unanimously after a brief clarification that ADP payroll processing fees are categorized under accounting expenses.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Chief's Report: Chief Anderson reported that emergency call volume declined 10% from the previous month but remains 6.3% higher year-to-date, with approximately 5,500 calls so far. Mutual aid from Madison was required on additional occasions due to ambulance shortages. The district is averaging 15 calls per day. The Chief highlighted ongoing efforts to improve billing follow-up on accounts over 180 days, and noted that the district's cash position is sufficient through year-end. Four new limited-term employees were onboarded successfully. The district is preparing for potential call increases from the New Glarus EMS coverage change. Staffing coverage over holidays and family emergencies was commended.
• Resolution 2025-12 – GASB 54 Approval: A routine monthly resolution to designate funds for inventory, prepaid expenses, sick leave liability (adjusted for interest), and contract negotiation costs. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-13 – Allocation of 2024 Certified Public Expenditure (CPE) Funds for Equipment: The district received $60,352 in CPE reimbursement. The Chief recommended using $13,426.80 for a transport ventilator, $22,184.73 for a Lucas CPR device, and $9,000 for an infusion pump, totaling $45,611.53. These items complete the stocking of a sixth ambulance. Discussion included a question about new guidance on mechanical CPR devices; the Chief explained that research shows no survival rate difference if applied correctly within 10 seconds, but devices provide consistency and safety during transport. Approved unanimously.
• Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2026-2027 with Local 311: The Chief presented a two-year tentative agreement conditional on union ratification. Key changes:
  • Parental Leave: Replaces maternity leave with three weeks paid parental leave for birth or adoption. Several commissioners expressed concern that three weeks is inadequate for recovery (noting C-sections and infant care), but acknowledged it matches Fitchburg city policy and budgetary constraints. The Chief noted prior negotiations ranged from two to six weeks. Approved unanimously with stated discomfort.
  • Training: Increased paid training hours from 36 to 48 per year. Removed restrictions on lodging, mileage, and meals for course reimbursement (still capped at $2,000 per employee). Specialty training (peer support, technical rescue) excluded from the 48-hour bank.
  • Overtime Scheduling: Updated language to reflect voluntary shift pick-up and mandate process that has been in effect for 18 months; formalizing the procedure.
  • First Right of Refusal for Alliant Energy Center Shifts: Full-time employees get priority over limited-term employees for shifts at the Alliant Energy Center. One commissioner opposed this change, arguing it undercuts part-time and LTE staff; the Chief stated impact is expected minimal. Approved.
  • Sick Leave: Clarified return-to-work note requirement after three scheduled shifts (previously three consecutive days).
  • Protective Gear: Updated language from "shall" to "may" for uniform purchase; t-shirts, sweatshirts, ball caps, and stocking caps now provided by the district without deducting clothing allowance.
  • Field Training Officer Pay: Formalized a previous MOU into the contract with original language, removing union-proposed conditions.
  • Lateral Transfers: New section allows hiring experienced paramedics from qualified 911 agencies with credit for up to 48 hours of sick leave (to limit financial liability) and no cap on step placement.
  • Wage Increases: 3% increase in 2026 and 3% in 2027, with step increases (longevity) continuing on existing schedule.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar (minutes and accounts payable) approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-12 (GASB 54) approved unanimously.
• Resolution 2025-13 (equipment purchase) approved unanimously.
• Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2026-2027 provisionally approved unanimously, contingent on ratification by Local 311. The Chief will bring the parental leave policy to the commission in January 2026.
• Meeting adjourned unanimously after noting upcoming commission restructuring effective January 1, 2026.