Butler County EMS coordinator says EMT class underway and board hears plan for November ballot question

Kari Coates, Butler County EMS Coordinator, told the Board of Supervisors on April 30 that the county’s first EMT class is underway with nine students and is expected to finish in June. Coates provided an update on recent service calls and said county leaders continue to pursue placement of a ballot question in November 2024 that would designate EMS as an Essential Service.

The update was given during the meeting’s public comment period. Coates described training progress and the department’s staffing and service concerns that have prompted the board to consider a formal ballot measure; she framed the November question as the next step to secure the program’s status, funding options and community support. No formal vote on the ballot language or placement occurred at the April 30 meeting.

Auditor Leslie Groen and the board acknowledged the report; the meeting record does not show further action on the ballot measure at this session. The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2024.