A new pay scale has been adopted for Emergency Medical Service employees, the move prompting a county commissioner who resigned in protest last month to return to the fold.

In a vote of 12-1, the DeKalb County Commission approved a plan that will set up a new pay scale which, in most cases will mean double digit percent increases in EMS salaries although it will also mean a reduction in overtime hours the county will pay out going forward. The plan also provides a starting point whereby employees will know what their starting pay will be and then know exactly, based on years of service, how much they will be making. The vote also provides each EMS employee a three-percent raise that will be retroactive to the first of the year.

“That was the thing,” said Third District Commissioner Jonathan Norris. “Some were starting at one wage and others were starting at others. It was all over the place.”

The move to set the salary schedule comes a month after the commission voted down a measure regarding EMS while voting raises and a new pay scale to the sheriff’s department and other county employees. The move by the commission caused some to believe the county did not appreciate the service provided by EMS.

“I think this will change their minds,” said Fourth District Commissioner Jack Barton of claims that EMS employees felt left out when they were passed over for raises last month.

Along with providing most employees with more pay, the measure sets up a new work schedule with EMS employees working 24 hours on and having 72 hours off. This will provide for less overtime and allow the county to better budget how much it will have to set aside for EMS each year.

The vote by the commission also had another impact as Second District Commissioner Joe Johnson opted to re-join the commission after tendering his resignation last month when the county did not take action on EMS pay. Saying he was ashamed of the commission, Johnson handed his resignation letter to the county mayor that night. However, during Monday night’s meeting it was pointed out that the commission never voted on the resignation, therefore it was not official.

When asked if he would like to continue serving in light of the commission’s actions regarding EMS, Johnson agreed and took his seat back, representing the Second District. Johnson is seeking reelection to his post.