A ‘VOTE YES FOR EMS’ campaign sign pictured in the community of Clutier in mid-October. On Tuesday, Tama County voters overwhelmingly approved by nearly 77% a public measure to fund EMS as an essential service with 6,044 votes cast in favor. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

A direct ballot initiative specific to all Tama County voters was passed in Tuesday’s election with overwhelming support. The measure was to make EMS an essential service of the county and creating a 75 cent levy to fund the program. To be implemented the measure needed a total of 60% approval by voters, the measure passed with 76.6%.

In 2021, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law legislation allowing counties to declare EMS an essential service and subsequently levy up to 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed taxable value to fund such services similar to law enforcement and fire. Previously, there was no required, guaranteed funding mechanism for EMS in Iowa, and there still isn’t unless a county’s voters approve a new EMS tax levy by at least 60%. The tax will be implemented for 15 years through the vote.

Below is the breakdown of town voting data.

Yes/No

Lincoln: 198/85

A sign hangs in the Traer Ambulance building on Wednesday, Nov. 6 - the day after the election. On the sign, Traer Ambulance Director Shaun Kennedy wrote, "11-05-2024. Passed with 76.64%." PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAUN KENNEDY

Traer: 587/119

Dysart: 786/187

Gladbrook: 546/147

Garwin: 197/56

Toledo: 531/191

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAUN KENNEDY

Cultier: 256/61

Montour: 363/133

Tama: 537/168

Elberon: 169/35

Chelsea: 162/55

Indian Settlement: 236/84

Absentee: 1476/521

In all, there were 6044 yes and 1842 no votes.