Council hears how EMS levy revenues support services; city warned of potential $500,000 hit if levy fails

During a presentation on emergency medical services funding, a presenter told the council the EMS levy currently brings in about $3,900,000 that is distributed among participating agencies. The presenter said if the levy does not pass, agencies would have to look at existing budgets to determine whether and how they could continue providing emergency medical services to their jurisdictions.

Asked what College Place would lose specifically, the presenter explained that the city’s chief would need to work with council members to determine how to continue funding services if levy revenue disappears. A councilor said losing "500,000 is a huge hit for a city our size," noting the mostly volunteer firefighter program would be significantly affected.

Councilors thanked presenters for the information; no formal decision or motion on levy action was made that evening.