Floyd County EMS Essential Service Resolution Passes Second Reading

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

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 Monday, the Floyd County Board of Supervisors approved the second reading of the resolution—after Assistant County Attorney Randy Tilton advised a caveat to the first reading the week before.

Supervisor Roy Schwickerath previously noted that even if the measure passes a third reading, it still won’t become official. It would next have to go to an advisory council to recommend how much the tax levy would be. Then, even if supervisors advance the EMS resolution to the ballot this November, it would still need 60% of the majority vote to pass.