County Supervisors Now Eyeing March Special Election For EMS Tax Levy Vote

The push for a vote on a county-wide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) property tax levy took a somewhat surprising turn Tuesday morning when the Mills County Board Of Supervisors decided not to put a ballot measure for an EMS levy on the November general election ballot.

Instead of placing the tax levy on the general election ballot, the county is now eyeing a special election in March 2027. Putting off a vote on the matter will allow the county to take advantage of a recent change in the state code that increases the maximum EMS levy a county can implement from 75 cents (per $1,000 valuation) to $1.50.

The change in the state code came in July and the Mills County Emergency Medical Services System Advisory Council initially assumed the county could ask for up to $1.50 on the EMS tax levy vote in November. However, during discussions with legal counsel last week, county and advisory council officials learned the measure passed by the board of supervisors in February that calls for the EMS levy to be brought to a vote of the people restricts the county to setting the levy at a maximum of 75 cents. The board doesn’t have enough time to pass a new measure that would allow a public vote on a levy for $1.50 in November.

“This is such an important topic for the county,” said supervisor Jack Sayers.  “It’s peoples' lives. That’s why I think it’s worth the cost to do a special election in March and to brainstorm between now and then about what we’re going to tell the voters. It gives us a little bit more wiggle room.”

Tuesday’s decision by the supervisors came after discussion with Malvern City Administrator and EMS Advisory Council Chair Joe George and Glenwood Fire Chief Matt Gray, who addressed the importance of additional funding for EMS services in the county.

The advisory council has started conducting community presentations throughout the county to educate Mills County residents on the challenges local EMS providers are facing and the need for funding.

George said the advisory council was caught off guard when learning language in the resolution passed
earlier this year would prevent the county from asking up to $1.50. He agreed holding off a vote until March would allow the advisory council to put a more detailed funding plan together and have more time to share information with Mills County residents.

“If the board of supervisors is willing to do a special election, the advisory council would be on board,” he said.

The advisory council’s next public presentation will take place Thursday, Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m., at the Emerson Community Building. Upcoming meetings are also planned for Aug. 27 at the Malvern Community Building and Sept. 3 at the Mills County Annex in Glenwood, both beginning at 6:30 p.m.