Health & LivingNewsPolitics & Government

Floyd County EMS Essential Service Resolution Passes First Reading 

Establishing emergency medical services (EMS) as an essential service in Floyd County took another step forward Monday.

If EMS is deemed essential, it would allow the County to assess a property tax levy, income tax surcharge, or a combination of both, to fund EMS services like ambulances and first responders. During their regular meeting, the Floyd County Board of Supervisors approved the first reading of the resolution, however, Supervisor Roy Schwickerath noted that even if the measure passes a second and third reading, the measure still won’t become official.

During recent informational public meetings on the resolution, Schwickerath said the general consensus was the EMS tax is needed, although there was a question whether tax dollars should be spent for a private provider, which is what the County does with AMR, its current ambulance service.

Schwickerath added that not keeping the resolution alive would cut the County “off at the knees” by limiting their funding options for EMS services in the county.

Even if Supervisors advance the EMS resolution to the ballot this November, it would still need 60% of the majority vote to pass.

Mark Pitz

News Director/Weekdays 10am to 2pm on 95.9 KCHA
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