Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on approving Williamson County EMS the ability to participate in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Workforce Recruitment and Retention program.
 

The 87^th Texas Legislature, through Senate Bill 8, provided the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) with $21.7 million funding for the recruitment and retention of EMS personnel.  DSHS in turn provided the local Regional Advisory Councils (RAC) with funds to assist with the education and retention of EMS personnel.  The program is intended to provide funding to current WilCo EMS employees to attend Advanced EMT or Paramedic school through awarding scholarships to eligible employees.  The EMS department will sponsor the employee and in exchange the employee receives up to $8,000 in scholarship to attend AEMT or paramedic class.  Upon completion of the course the employee must pass the required testing within 90 days.  Once certified the employee must work for WilCo EMS for 2 years or they may be required to pay the funds back.  Funds are provided by the State of Texas.  There is no match for the employer.  In the event the employee does not complete the program or required work time the county must make a good faith effort to recoup the funds.  If unsuccessful it will be referred to the local RAC and the state.  The EMS department is responsible for completing the application, sending payment to the school, and reporting to CATRAC once the employee has completed their work requirement.  There is no financial liability to the County if the employee does not meet the scholarship requirements.  The program has been reviewed by WilCo Legal, Audit, HR, and Budget offices.