(Shelby Co) The Shelby County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday held a public hearing on the declaration by the Supervisors that EMS is an essential service and the funding options presented.
According to the meeting minutes, Roger Bissen, of the EMS Advisory Council, presented funding recommendations as determined by the Advisory Council. A 75-cent per thousand dollar valuation and a one-percent state income surtax was proposed as necessary to fund the EMS operation.
During the hearing, Alex Londo, Shelby County EMA Coordinator, noted that information is on the County website including a frequently asked questions section about this issue. Londo said the countywide ambulance service will require tax dollars to operate and that the long-time ambulance business owners are retiring. Local volunteers will still be available, but EMT/EMS certified volunteer numbers are dropping. There are many regulations controlling this type of business or operation.
Following the hearing, the Supervisors approved a motion for publications of the public hearings notice at least 60-days before the hearing dates of Thursday, May 25th, Tuesday, June 6th, and Tuesday, June 13th at 10:00 a.m. for public input on the Declaration of Emergency Medical Services as an essential service and the funding of the service.
