EMT says she questioned her pay before being billed $62,000
By Pamela Comme
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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — A Volusia County EMT says a payroll error that began shortly after her promotion in 2023 has left her facing a demand to repay more than $62,000, money she says she never knew was an issue and repeatedly questioned.
Natasha Davis was promoted to lead EMT with Volusia County in late 2023, around the same time the county now says payroll errors began. Davis said she noticed inconsistencies in her pay early on and contacted the human resources department, seeking clarification.
“I was asking how much I make an hour, and they were unable to tell me, and they said my paychecks were correct,” Davis said. “So, I just assumed that they were correct.”
Davis said she reached out at least four more times over the following months and was told each time that her pay was accurate.
Two weeks ago, she said, that changed.
Davis received a letter from the county stating she had been overpaid and now owes more than $62,000, money the county says must be recovered due to a payroll error. About 30 EMTs received similar letters, according to the county, but Davis said she was told she owes the highest amount.
Davis said she heard rumors about possible pay issues before receiving the letter. When it was finally presented to her, she said the moment was overwhelming.
“I heard about this being a rumor, so I was upset, and I took myself out of service for the whole night,” Davis said. “Then, they came and presented this to me. … I had a panic attack.”
Davis took about a week off work. Under the county’s repayment plan, about $500 a month will be deducted directly from Davis’ paycheck until the balance is paid off, a process that could take years.
Davis said the repayment will be especially difficult because she was already working about 70 hours a week to make ends meet. As a single mother, she worries about how the deductions will affect her ability to support her child.
“What am I going to feed my child?” Davis said. “That’s the whole reason why I work that much.”
Davis said she believes the situation is unfair, especially because she says she tried to alert the county that something might be wrong.
“We basically work almost more than anyone else in the company,” she said. “And it’s just amazing how they come back and tell me I owe money back.”
Davis is scheduled to meet with the county soon and hopes to negotiate repayment terms. Until now, she said, the only information she has received is what was included in the letter.
The union representing EMTs released a statement saying it is seeking full documentation, detailed explanations of how the errors occurred and clarity regarding the county’s legal authority to recover paid wages over multiple years. The union also said it has contacted the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for guidance.
County officials previously told WESH 2 they are required by law to recover the overpaid wages.
WESH 2 has requested copies of emails Davis says she sent to the county raising concerns about her pay and has reached out to Volusia County for a response to her claims. As of publication, the county had not responded.
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