Special meeting OKs EMS as essential

By Mary Zielinski
Posted 10/25/24

WASHINGTON

In a 14-minute special meeting October 17, Washington County supervisors approved a resolution declaring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) essential for the county. The action made it …

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Special meeting OKs EMS as essential

Posted

WASHINGTON

In a 14-minute special meeting October 17, Washington County supervisors approved a resolution declaring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) essential for the county. The action made it possible for the county to publish the state-mandated notice for the three meetings required to pass a resolution designating EMS in printed media on October 24, 2024. The notice calls for the first reading to be held December 23 with second and possible third readings January 2, 2025, the first business day after the start of the new year.

The resolution notes that if a proposition to fund the EMS fails to receive a favorable 60 percent vote, the resolution will become null and void.

A special election on the proposed levy funding is expected to be held in March.

In its regular meeting the board discussed a possible 10-year levy of 50 cents up to 75 cents for each $1,000 of assessed taxable property. Discussion also noted possible future state funding for such services. The resolution also notes that the “…Washington County EMS Advisory Council has submitted its recommendations to the … county supervisors…and to declare EMS as an essential service. . .”

The resolution also notes that EMS funding sources (determined by the voters) could include a local option income surtax or an ad valorem property tax not to exceed the 75 cents per $1,000 assessment.

Washington County Board of Supervisors, Washington, Iowa, EMS, essential service, levy, tax, election