Iowa County voters reject EMS property tax levy

Iowa County voters rejected a property tax levy meant to cover the growing costs of the county's ambulance service, according to KCRG. The levy would have allowed the county to collect up to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value for up to 15 years. It received 53 percent support on Election Day but needed 60 percent to pass. EMS leaders said the failed levy does not mean immediate cuts to ambulance service, and the county's ambulance service will still respond when someone calls 911. County Supervisor Abigail Maas, who opposed the levy, said voters did not vote against EMS but against additional taxes, and that voters were not given a clear enough plan for how the money would be spent. County Supervisor Chris Montross, who supported the levy, said the additional revenue would help the county keep up with the costs of providing EMS for the next 15 years. Both supervisors said the county will now have to look at what it can afford during the next budget cycle.