By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Editor’s Note: The Times Vedette received numerous letters to the editor on the EMS subject. We do not publish letters to the editor, but we did run a story written by Luann Waldo on the EMS vote that did not share views from those opposed. That story can be read here. In an effort to provide balanced coverage, we interviewed some who sent letters in opposition to the EMS vote and included them in this story.
Voters in Guthrie County will decide on Tuesday, Nov. 5 whether to support a ballot measure to approve taxation to create a countywide EMS service, using EMS crews from Panora, Stuart and Adair. The measure asks voters to approve a 75-cent per $1,000 of taxable value on their property with the funding to be shared by the ambulances serving Guthrie County residents. Sixty percent must vote “yes” for the measure to pass. The new tax is expected to generate $750,000-$800,000 in revenue each year.
Recently, four Stuart residents sat down with the Times Vedette to explain their concerns about the plan. These included Mayor Dick Cook, Bob Cook, Police Chief Dave Reha and former councilmember Bryan Belden. The four stressed that they are not against a countywide EMS service, but they don’t feel the ballot measure and proposed plan have adequately addressed their concerns.
“My biggest issue with this is, it’s a double tax for Stuart and Panora citizens,” Belden said, noting that those residents are already paying for EMS service in their communities.
“It’s a tax and spend deal; it’s that simple,” Reha said.
Belden stated he also worries that local control may be lost.
“You start with the tax, and then they centralize billing, they hire an EMS countywide director. So now you’ve got management control, you’ve got budget control, you’ve got billing control and staffing control,” Belden said.
State rules and regulations require how the funding can be spent. Iowa code dictates an advisory council (appointed by the board of supervisors) will make recommendations to the supervisors on the reimbursements that need to be paid based on the expenses received from each service. This committee will be responsible for overseeing the integration of services, managing contracts with Panora EMS, Stuart Rescue, and Adair Fire and Rescue, and ensuring the resources are distributed effectively to meet the needs of all county residents. The committee’s role would also include strategizing improvements, standardizing protocols, and driving initiatives to expand EMS coverage and response times.
Bob Cook described himself as “cautiously optimistic” when he first heard about a proposed countywide EMS service plan, but he feels the issue is being rushed to voters before enough information has been shared.
The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors held eight informational meetings during the month of October about the proposed countywide EMS and the related levy measure. Meetings were held in Bayard, Casey, Jackson Township, Bear Grove Township, Stuart, Guthrie Center, Yale and Panora. All meetings were open to the public.
“I’m not a forever ‘no,’ I say let’s use a year or two and investigate it,” Cook said.
Cook also suggested talking with other counties that have implemented a similar plan to find out what has worked and how.
Belden and Reha stated they feel the plan is asking for voters to approve the funding before a clear plan is shown regarding how the funds will be used.
“It’s Z to A, instead of A to Z,” Belden said.
