CHARLEVOIX COUNTY, Mich. — Charlevoix Police and Fire may switch from a full-time fire department to a volunteer fire department in order to pay their EMS providers more.

The proposal stems from a growing need for emergency medical services in the area, UpNorthLive.com reports.

"Through the years we have had less and less fire calls and more and more ambulance calls,” said Shirley Gibson, City of Charlevoix City Council 3rd Ward. “That means that's where we need to focus where we put our money."

In 2014, there were 832 EMS calls and 107 fire calls.

In order to retain EMS services, the county said it has to pay more to maintain wages that are competitive with other EMS services in the area. The money will come from the switch from a paid fire service to a volunteer fire service.

"Saving the $190,000 a year will enable the city to pay the EMS individuals a competitive wage,” said Gibson. “We haven't been paying that much for years and that's been an issue."

EMS serves the city of Charlevoix, Charlevoix Township, Hayes Township, Marion Township, Norwood Township, and a portion of Eveline Township.

Charlevoix Police and Fire has a total of 19 firefighters, but only one is full time. The department serves the city of Charlevoix and a portion of Eveline Township. The department has been losing fire service contracts with other townships, and there isn’t enough money to maintain the service.

"The volunteer organization was here before this happened. This isn't anything new,” said Chief Gerard Doan, City of Charlevoix Police and Fire. “The only thing that’s changing is the person in-house. We will still have people responding to your fire needs when the call arises."

If approved, the transition from a full-time fire department to volunteer will go into effect sometime in August.