Lincoln County voters have the opportunity to provide increased ambulance services throughout the county by supporting a proposition on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot.
If approved by voters, an Emergency Medical Service District would be formed composed of all of Lincoln County and it will help provide ambulance service to all county residents. It would be funded by a recurring three mill ad valorem tax placed on all taxable property within the county. The three mill tax would become effective in the 2025 tax year.
The tax funds generated are intended to provide funds to support, organize, operate, maintain and finance the emergency medical service district.
It’s estimated the tax will create about $1.8 million annually for the county.
District 3 Commissioner Lee Doolen, who is chairman of the county commissioners, has pointed out that by law only 90 percent of the estimated $1.8 million the tax would generate could be spent each year.
The other 10 percent must go into a reserve fund for the following year.
It’s also been brought out that three mills is the maximum that can be voted for a 522 Ambulance District.
That would ensure that if voters approve the proposition, the three mills can’t be raised in the future.
The proposition needs a simple majority of those voting to approve it.
Chandler Fire Chief Bobby Buchanan has stated there are 5,000 calls made every year for ambulance service in Lincoln County. Currently there are four ambulance services located within the county, including Chandler, Stroud, Wellston and Prague.
He has noted Chandler makes 1,300 of those calls each year.
At this time, the county provides no funding for ambulance service, nor do other communities including Meeker, Davenport, Agra, Tryon, Sparks and Carney.
It’s believed that if this proposition passes it will help provide more widespread ambulance service within thi county.
In some areas of the county, like Meeker and southwest portions, someone who needs an ambulance must wait 20 to 30 minutes or longer before it arrives. When a person is in need of an ambulance, they need it then, not later.
A county board would be set up by state statute to oversee and serve as administrator of the 522 district. That would help ensure there is no misuse of taxpayer dollars.
Medical and ambulance experts would be among those on that board.
We think this proposition deserves the support of voters and will serve a critical need in the county for years to come.