Two major items, insurance and employee raises for 2015, came before the Mid-Mo Ambulance Board of Directors at its regular meeting Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Tipton district office.
Administrator Lee Kempf introduced Mike Keith of Mike Keith Insurance Inc., Clinton, to present the district's renewal for property, casualty and liability insurance. According to Keith, the only significant changes were adding the tower and repeater at Ivy Bend and the new broadband radio system. The premium increase was given as $810 over last year, for a total of $29,156. After discussion, the board accepted the bid.
In the discussion of staff raises, Kempf recommended a raise of 2.5 percent hourly raise for all ambulance personnel for 2015, until some other possibilities are considered. The board approved the recommendation.
Kempf informed the board that he has formed a committee to begin working on criteria for a merit system. He is hopeful this will be in place and be able to be included in time to consider next year's raises. Kempf said he always wanted to base raises on merit as well as cost of living. Giving a set amount across the board gives the same raise to all employees, whether one who arrives at work in uniform, does the daily chores, works the overtime, helps pick up shifts, and so on, or one who is not in uniform when he or she arrives at work, doesn't check the ambulances or do chores, never helps fill shifts or work extra overtime. In his opinion, considering merit in the criteria for raises would be a fairer way to give raises since employees more deserving of a raise would receive a better raise.
Requesting Office Manager Brenda West leave the room, the board discussed her salary, deciding on a 2.5 percent hourly raise and a 2 percent increase in the contribution to her 457 retirement fund. The board approved a 2.5 percent raise for Office Clerk Tasha Knapheide.
Kempf left the room for the board discussion of a raise, with the board approving an increase of $2,500 to his annual salary.
In other business, the November treasurers report balance on hand was $483,153.10. Run statistics were: Tipton - 45 calls with 34 transports; California - 62 calls, 43 transports; Versailles - 137 calls, 87 transports; and Barnett - 46 calls, 25 transports. District wide, there were 290 calls with 189 transports for a transport rate of 76.8 percent.
The next regular meeting is set for Jan. 14 at the Tipton district office.