By Luann Waldo | Special to the Times Vedette
Voters in the Nov. 5 Guthrie County General Election will decide the fate of a new proposal that is to provide funding for Emergency Medical Services. Public Measure IU 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. A 60% approval is needed for the measure to pass.
Recognizing the need for a more unified and efficient EMS system, Guthrie County is proposing the establishment of a county-wide EMS framework. The revenue generated from this levy would be used to contract with the existing EMS services and enhance their capabilities, ensuring that high-quality emergency medical care is accessible throughout the entire county.
Last informational meeting is Oct. 29
Meetings have been held by the Board of Supervisors around the county to provide information about EMS and the impending vote. A final meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Guthrie County Courthouse to allow people who may have been unable to attend the previous meeting to learn more about the matter.
How did we get here?
Bringing the EMS Essential Service levy to a vote has been a more than two-year process by the Board of Supervisors. An Advisory Council was appointed by the Board to research, study and suggest the levy amount needed as well as solutions with the focus on reducing response time in cases of emergencies and providing necessary EMS to all residents of the county, no matter where the call is located.
Guthrie County currently receives most of its Emergency Medical Services from three entities: Panora EMS, Stuart Rescue, and Adair Fire and Rescue. Each of these organizations plays a crucial role in delivering timely and effective emergency medical care to residents and visitors across the county. However, the existing structure presents challenges in terms of coordination, resource allocation and comprehensive coverage.
Responding to western and northwestern parts of the county by the current EMS providers results in response times that are longer than many residents like. However, if this levy is approved, plans are to house and staff an additional ambulance in Guthrie Center that will improve response time in western and northwestern areas of the county as well as add a third staffed ambulance in the county.
Early in 2024, the Board of Supervisors submitted RFPs (request for proposals) to the three entities as well as Carroll County Ambulance, which has provided service south of Coon Rapids, and Audubon and Exira EMS, which have small areas in the western region of the county. Only Panora, Stuart, Adair and a professional service out of Des Moines submitted proposals. The metro firm was ruled out almost immediately as it was cost prohibitive.
EMS by the numbers
The 75-cent tax levy will generate $750,000-$800,000 in tax revenue each year. There are state rules and regulations on how that 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 that 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.
The Supervisors looked at call volume and population for each township and city within the current service districts.
Valuation………………………… Population … Call Volume . Service Provider
77% ………………………………… 71%……………. 70% …………… Panora EMS
15% ………………………………… 22% …………… 23% …………… Stuart Rescue
8% ………………………………….. 7% …………….. 7%……………… Adair Fire & Rescue
100% ………………………………. 100% …………. 100%………….. TOTAL
Approximately 1,600 calls for EMS assistance are made each year in the county. Each call costs the EMS provider about $650 per run, but the average payment from insurance and Medicare is $463, leaving an almost $200 deficit for each trip.
Guthrie County officials estimate the average homeowner in Guthrie County will pay about $150 more in taxes for the EMS levy. You can figure how much this levy will cost you by taking your taxable value divided by 1,000, then multiplying it by the levy amount of .75.
Additional information
Proponents of the levy say approving EMS as an Essential Service will support a coordinated EMS system that will provide all Guthrie County residents access to timely emergency response and that working with all current EMS providers to expand services and reduce times throughout Guthrie County is the most important priority of the EMS system. They also say an integral part of this initiative is addressing the critical need to build a robust volunteer base and improve the recruitment and retention of EMS professionals. With a coordinated county-wide approach, Guthrie County aims to offer better training programs, provide incentives for volunteers, and create career development opportunities to attract and retain skilled EMS personnel.
Vote in person on Nov. 5 or by absentee in the Courthouse
Absentee voting is underway now, but the deadline to receive mailed ballots has passed. You can vote in person at the Guthrie County Courthouse at the Auditor’s Office in Guthrie Center during regular hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Monday through Friday. The Auditor’s Office will be open for voting on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Voters are reminded of the voter registration laws and must present a valid identification card at the time of voting.
Polls will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Locations are: Bayard Community Center, Casey Community Building, Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Guthrie Center, Veteran’s Auditorium in Panora, Congregational Church in Stuart and Yale Community Building. If you don’t know where to vote, contact the Auditor’s Office at 641-747-3619.