Commission reviews Resolution No. 26‑17 to place four‑mill ambulance levy on the ballot

Eric Hoiland, Anaconda‑Deer Lodge County chief financial officer, presented Resolution No. 26‑17 asking the Commission to place a permanent four‑mill countywide levy on the general election ballot to provide funding for the countywide ambulance service.

Hoiland said the levy is estimated to generate roughly $106,000 per year. "The ambulance service is an expensive service and it's a needed service," he said, explaining that current reimbursements from insurers often fall well short of billed amounts and that payroll costs are largely borne by the city fire tax. Hoiland said the county will create a special mill fund (fund 2235) to collect the levy and either allocate the proceeds proportionally during the year or transfer them to the ambulance fund at year end.

The levy is structured as a permanent four‑mill rate. Chairman Kevin Hart summarized the residential impact the county used for illustration: about $3.04 per year on a $100,000 home, $9.12 on a $300,000 home and $21.44 on a $600,000 home.

Anaconda Fire Chief Cody Tocher told commissioners the levy would provide a more stable funding stream to recruit and retain EMTs and paramedics, maintain vehicles and equipment, and help ensure continued coverage across the county. "I respectfully ask you to approve placing the ambulance levy before the voters," Tocher said. He added that $106,000 "is a start" but would not fully fund the ambulance operation.

County Attorney Morgan Smith said she and staff reviewed the resolution and the ballot language for compliance with Montana law and the county's resolution requirements. Commissioner Ed Beaudette asked whether the levy would supplement the current city fire levy; Tocher and Hoiland said it would be a supplement that spreads costs beyond the city limits to the rest of the county, since a substantial share of ambulance calls originate outside the city.

No formal vote on final adoption was recorded at the work session; the item was placed on an upcoming agenda for further consideration and for formal action. The Commission asked staff to refine how proceeds will be managed between capital and payroll uses and to bring back a recommended approach.

Next steps: the Commission advanced Resolution No. 26‑17 for placement on a future agenda and review of ballot materials and fund accounting before any final action.