The Valley County Emergency Medical Services District is once again asking the community to increase its levy rate.
In the fall of 2023, the district put two measures in front of voters. One was to form a new EMS commission to manage the district, which passed. The second measure, which newly-appointed EMS Commissioner Travis Smith called the “key component,” was to increase the district levy rate and that failed.
“The levy is really the key component. It’s what’s going to provide funding to grow the district,” he said.
The commission will now put the levy rate increase on the ballot for a second time.
Levy details
The levy currently provides the district with about $1.2 million annually. If the new measure passes, this could increase to $2,742,635 million annually.
Smith said this number would be the cap and does not mean the district has to take that amount.
“We were just going to be responsible stewards take what we need,” Smith said, “…But it gives us capacity.”
If the levy passes, it would mean property taxes will increase. This would average to about $24.23 per $100,000 a year. People can calculate what their exact rate would be by using this calculator on the EMS District website.
What does this fund?
Smith said the levy increase would give the fire districts enough money to continue to provide EMS services, as the fire districts contract with the EMS District to provide EMS transport services. Smith added that the district needs an ambulance and because of demand, the ambulance would likely service McCall. The additional money could also go to hiring more staff and providing housing for workers.
“(McCall Fire) just tried to hire some people and the pool was small. They had four or five people that could do it… Two of the candidates just couldn’t afford to live here,” Smith said. “So even being able to hire people becomes a challenge… We’ve got to find a housing solution for these folks and we need to be a partner in that.”
A supermajority of 66.7% is needed for the measure to pass. Election day is on May 21.
