(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors will hold two public hearings during their meeting at 9-a.m. on Tuesday, June 18th, in Atlantic. The first is with regard to Declaring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an Essential Service, under the Code of Iowa. During a meeting last month, the Board held the first public hearing and passed a Resolution Declaring EMS as an essential service. A second public hearing on the matter was held May 31st.

State law allows counties to initiate the process of implementing a tax levy for the services, but it must receive a super-majority of at least 60% from the county voters. The Board has stated in past meetings, that one reason for proposing the levy is to ensure a more transparent process rather than the current pool of money compiled between the county, city of Atlantic, and Cass County Health for one of the county’s few paid services in Atlantic. Another potential benefit is allowing EMS services in the county to better budget for equipment purchases and training.

If the third reading of the Resolution is passed, the measure will be included on the ballot for the November General Election. Following Tuesday’s hearing, if the Resolution is approved, the Board will act on passing a Resolution establishing an EMS Advisory Council and directing the Council to advise both the cost and funding for EMS services.

Assuming the measure it placed on the ballot in November, there must be a 60% majority of the voters in favor of it in order for it to pass. If it does, counties such as Cass, can implement up to a 75 cent levy on property taxes, a 1% income surtax, or a combination of the two to help fund local EMS providers.

The second hearing is with regard to Vendor Regulations in Atlantic for the July 22nd overnight RAGBRAI event. In other business, the Cass County Supervisors will act on authorizing the County Auditor to withhold $120,607 in a TIF rebate over-payment to Elite Octane over a two-year period. They will also discuss and possibly act on, a Vision Atlantic request for ARPA funds, and act on approving County employee wages and benefits for FY 2024-25.

The meeting is viewable in-person, electronically via Zoom, and over the phone.  (See connection details below)

Join Electronically https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2899195216?pwd=R0hSa2FOOTh0NUdra1ZSdVhVW
HpMUT09
Meeting ID: 289 919 5216
Passcode: 012064

Call In 312-626-6799, press *9 to indicate you wish to speak.