(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors hosted a discussion with Erik Johnson, Cass County EMS, on Thursday, September 26th, to learn more about the proposed EMS Tax Levy to enhance emergency medical services. Johnson, who serves as the Program Coordinator for Iowa United First Aid, shared with the Ambassadors that by making EMS an essential service, taxes that are already being collected will be put into a new, separate EMS fund. EMS is not considered an essential service in Iowa, and with an Iowa law, passed 2021, county boards are allowed to ask county voters to voice their opinion on this issue.

The levy proposes an EMS levy that will allow up to 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to be set aside specifically for EMS. The county vote on November 5th must receive at least 60% to pass.

Pictured Left to Right: Krysta Hanson, Kelsey Beschorner, Ruth Sears, Colt Doherty, Jim Kickland, Dr. Keith Leonard, Lana Westphalen, Dolly Bergmann, Brett Altman, Erik Johnson, Tori Gibson, Chris Parks, Scott Bennett, Jeff Christensen, Sue Liston, Gabby Wahlert, BJ Hart

Erik shared that if the EMS levy does not pass this year, funding for additional EMTS, new equipment, supplies and training may not be available in a time of need.

For more information about the proposed EMS levy, follow Cass County IA EMS Essential Services on Facebook or contact your local County Supervisor.