Lincoln County commissioners this week voted unanimously to call for an election to establish an Emergency Medical Service District composed of all of Lincoln County.
The election will be held on Nov. 5 to coincide with this year’s General Election.
If approved by voters, the Emergency Medical Service District would be funded by a recurring three mill ad valorem tax placed on all taxable property within the county.
Commissioners first approved revised ballot language for the 522 Ambulance District. County Clerk Alicia Wagnon noted the main charge from the earlier ballot language approved during a special joint meeting of the commissioners and the Lincoln County Ambulance Advisory Committee is the three mill tax will become effective in the 2025 tax year.
The earlier ballot language had stated it would start in the 2024 tax year.
Commissioners then approved the resolution calling for the election on Nov. 5 this year.
The tax funds generated are intended to provide funds to support, organize, operate, maintain and finance the emergency medical service district.
The resolution notes holding the election on Nov. 5 is to ensure maximum voter participation.
District 3 Commissioner Lee Doolen, who is chairman of the commissioners, has stated it’s estimated the tax will create about $1.8 million annually for the county.
He previously pointed out, “By law, we can only spend 90 percent of that amount. Ten percent must go into a reserve fund for the following year.”
It was noted during Monday’s meeting this week that three mills is the maximum that can be voted for a 522 Ambulance District. Commissioners also voted 2-1 to approve a public notice regarding wind turbines. It was noted the notice is intended for informational purposes only.
Voting in favor were Doolen and District 1 Commissioner Will Fine. District 2 Commissioner Marlon Miller voted against it.
Miller commented, “I support it as a person, but as a commissioner it’s not our responsibility.”
A concerned citizens group has been meeting for several months now and citizens have been attending commission meetings. Thomas Holmes, who has addressed commissioners several times, spoke again Monday.
The notice is to be sent out on Lincoln County letterhead and envelopes and Holmes’ group is to pay for the postage. Doolen said the notice only will be sent to Lincoln County landowners and that Holmes’ group will identify those landowners they would like them to, Doolen stated.
Commissioners spent a brief time in executive session discussing county employee Virgil Wilson before they returned to open meeting and took no action.
They approved a Memorandum of Understanding for schools participating in the Opioid Abatement Curriculum.
In other business, commissioners: Approved a steel berm transfer for a bridge in District 1.
Reviewed a floodplain application for the Kendrick Municipal Authority.
Voted to approve a resolution accepting a donation in District 2.
Adopted a resolution for an account for a bridge in District 2.
Approved a resolution for a SS4A grant account.
Approved a notice of intent to apply for an Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management ARPA Project application.
Took no action on additional services for Jani King.
Approved spending $869 for software development for digital approval of blanket PO’s.
Took no action on maintenance agreements with Apprentice for Fiscal Year 2025.
Approved purchase of several tactical vests for the District Attorney’s Task Force.
Adopted a resolution for an Emergency Management Mobile Command account.