Washington County residents voted in favor of an Emergency Medical Services tax levy Tuesday. The measure passed with a 68.91% approval rating and 1,791 votes. In order to pass, the measure needed more than 60% of voters in support.

The State considers fire and police services an essential service but does not consider EMS an essential service. The passing of this measure means that a new county tax levy of 50 cents per $1,000 will be implemented. New EMS taxes raised will meet current budgetary needs and will fund the operations of the county EMS program including ambulance services. 

Toby Hancock, chair of the Public Education committee for the Washington County EMS Advisory Council shared his thoughts on the passing of the levy, “We are grateful to the overwhelming public support, we look forward to collaborating across all agencies to build upon the system in place and ensure its sustainability for years to come.”   

The amount will be evaluated annually with recommendations by the Washington County EMS Advisory Council, made up of 13 members from various public safety agencies including Washington County Hospital and Clinics, Washington County Board of Supervisors, community members, as well as city representatives from across the county.