EMS Tax Levy Not Likely to Go Before Floyd County Voters This November

Officials in Charles City and Floyd County want to make emergency medical services (EMS) essential services. But an EMS tax levy to provide financial support for those services isn’t likely to be put before voters in Floyd County this year. 

Earlier this year, the Floyd County Board of Supervisors have passed a resolution to declare EMS essential, thus opening the door for a possible tax levy to be assessed through property taxes, an income tax surcharge, or a combination of both. 

Supervisor Jim Jorgenson is non-voting member of the EMS Advisory Council designed to formulate the parameter’s of a possible tax levy. He told fellow Board members, during their regular meeting Monday (08.28), the Council met last week, with one focus on when the measure would be placed on the ballot.

Factors behind not having the EMS vote this fall include the lack of time to educate voters on the measure and the Charles City School District’s $28.5 million bond referendum to revitalize Charles City High School is already on the ballot November 7th.

Funds generated from an EMS tax levy would support ambulance and first responder services across the County, Money could also go to form a public ambulance to serve the entire County.

Last November, an EMS tax levy to generate up to $556,000 a year for 10 years was defeated, failing to get the 60% supermajority vote to pass.