Commissioners warn of EMS funding shortfall if local sales tax is not renewed

Commissioners flagged potential public‑safety funding gaps tied to a local option sales tax that is set to expire at the end of next year and will appear on the November ballot. The Chair said the county has used sales tax revenue to support ambulance service and other public‑safety departments and warned of operational difficulties if voters do not renew the tax.

"If they don't, we spent a lot of money out of our sales tax to fund the ambulance service as well as other public safety departments," the Chair said during discussion. The board discussed preliminary planning with Director Jay Dawes and county staff to evaluate fire and EMS coverage; the Chair said the county is considering adding part‑time or full‑time ambulance staff and possibly stationing resources in the north end (Midway) to improve response times.

The Chair estimated that fully staffing a single ambulance with personnel (salary and benefits) would cost about $380,000 per year. Director E. Doss confirmed that the rate calculations for the millage included a $402,000 loss rollback figure. No formal budget action on EMS staffing was taken at the meeting; commissioners said staff would return with specific proposals in coming months.