Public and council clash over rededicating sales tax to fund EMS; council signals support for 25% amendment

A months‑long debate about funding emergency medical services moved into public view June 11 as residents, EMS staff and council members argued over whether to place a rededication of a portion of the parish 1% sales tax on the November ballot.

The council opened discussion on a resolution to order an election to rededicate and collect a special sales and use tax. Dozens of speakers — including Shannon Larousse, the parish EMS manager, and Plaquemines paramedics — urged the council to let voters decide and to provide a dedicated, predictable funding stream for ambulances, staffing and training.

Shannon Larousse apologized if earlier remarks had offended and said EMS personnel lacked a seat at some decision tables. “We feel that is our personal feelings,” Larousse said, adding that EMS crews routinely cover shifts at salary and staffing levels she described as inadequate.

Paramedic Josie Arnold told the council she would not remain with the parish EMS if it were folded under the fire department, saying the two services have different cultures and staffing needs. “Under no circumstances will I stay or 99% of this department stay if we go that route,” Arnold said.

Many residents described life‑and‑death examples from delayed responses on the East Bank and urged a ballot measure. “This is a matter of life and death,” a resident said, asking the council to put ambulance funding before voters.

Council members repeatedly said they wanted a clear, itemized plan before asking voters to reallocate tax revenue. Commissioner Schultz pressed for numbers — how many additional ambulances, staffing, operating costs, and whether East and West Bank unit counts would change — and said he would support a ballot question with a plan in hand.

After extended debate, several commissioners said they would support placing a rededication on the ballot with a 25% allocation to EMS (25% of the 1% sales tax) as a starting point, contingent on staff and department details being provided before November 3. Council President said the State Bond Commission’s schedule could affect whether the measure can appear on the November ballot, but that the board could call a special hearing if necessary.

Key unresolved items: the council asked administration, finance and EMS to return with an implementation plan detailing the number of units required, staffing and cost estimates, how revenues from Medicare/Medicaid/insurance factor into the budget, and whether EMS would operate under fire and rescue or as a separate entity.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to compile financials, call volume and location data, estimated operating costs for additional units, and options for a dedicated special‑revenue fund to track proceeds if voters approve a rededication.