Special Election for Floyd County EMS Tax Levy Vote Looking Unlikely 

Putting a special election for a Floyd County EMS tax levy before voters this  September is appearing less likely. 

The tax levy would generate revenue for emergency medical services (EMS), with funds going to EMS providers in the County and, possibly, a County-run ambulance service. The Floyd County EMS Advisory Council has proposed that a special election gives the measure the best chance for passage.

That’s EMS Council chair Patrick Lumley, who addressed the Floyd County Board of Supervisors Monday (03.25) morning to explain the Council’s position.

Board Chair Mark Kuhn countered for higher voter participation, noting over 8,000 Floyd County voters cast ballots in the 2020 Presidential election and over 5,000 in the 2022 general election. By contrast, recent special elections have seen far less voters.

Kuhn added that, with non-party candidates still able to file until August 28th to run for Supervisor seats he and Supervisor Jim Jorgensen will not seek re-election to, a special election two weeks later would present a time crunch.

While Supervisors Jorgensen and Dennis Keifer did not come out officially against a special election, which would cost the County about $11,000, their preference would be to put the tax levy on the November general election ballot.

Supervisors recommended to Lumley that the EMS Council discuss whether they would still like to pursue a special election and get back to the Board on how they’d like to proceed.

The measure would require a 60% supermajority vote to pass.