Floyd County EMS Council Looks to Stay the Course on Special Tax Levy Vote 

The Floyd County EMS Advisory Council still wants to put an EMS tax levy vote up for special election September 10th.

The tax levy would generate funding for emergency medical services (EMS) providers in the County and, possibly, a public ambulance service, perhaps around $775,000 a year. 

The Council says a special election gives the measure the best chance for passage. But last week, Floyd County Supervisors leaned towards the general election in November because it will mean  that more voters will have a say in making the decision. Supervisors also cited that the cost of conducting a special election is about $11,000.

After the EMS Council met Thursday (03.28)  night, Council Chair Patrick Lumley says they still feel strongly about a special election.

Still, Lumley acknowledges that the call, ultimately, is not up to the EMS Council.

Regardless of a September or November vote, Lumley says the EMS tax levy is vital to the future of ambulance service in Floyd County, whether it’s a public service or private service, which the County and the City of Charles City has with AMR Ambulance. They also have to jointly subsidize AMR’s operating costs.

Lumley says startup costs for a municipal ambulance service are currently estimated at over $1.2 million.

The EMS tax levy would require a 60% supermajority vote to pass.