By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors has announced informational meetings being held to inform citizens about the proposed countywide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the related levy measure that voters will decide upon during the Nov. 5 election.
Scheduled meetings open to the public include (all listed meetings begin at 7 p.m.):
- Oct. 1: Bayard Community Building
- Oct. 3: ACGC Junior High Gym in Casey
- Oct. 7: Morrisburg Church, Jackson Township
- Oct. 8: Bowman Chapel, Bear Grove Township
- Oct. 9: West Central Valley High School Gym, Stuart
- Oct. 10: ACGC High Auditorium, Guthrie Center
- Oct. 14: Yale Community Building
- Oct. 16: Panorama High School Auditorium, Panora
Guthrie County is proposing the establishment of a coordinated, countywide EMS framework, which would be funded through a levy of $0.75 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for properties. The revenue generated from this new levy would be used to contract with existing EMS service
providers and enhance their capabilities, ensuring that emergency medical care is accessible throughout the entire county. A key part of this would be the addition of a fully staffed ambulance based in Guthrie Center, which will help improve response times to all parts of the county. This new structure will be overseen by an appointed Advisory Council, as required by law.
Emergency Medical Services are currently provided to residents of Guthrie County via three primary entities: Panora EMS, Stuart EMS and Adair Fire and Rescue. Each of these organizations deliver medical care to residents and visitors countywide. According to proponents of the levy, the existing structure presents challenges in terms of coordination, resource allocation, and comprehensive coverage. In particular, significant gaps in coverage exist when it comes to serving the western and northwestern portions of the county.
More information is available at www.guthriecountyems.org