The second and third readings of an ordinance establishing an ambulance service improvement district in the eastern district of the county, assessing a 2.5 mill tax on residents within that district, passed at the county Quorum Court meeting Monday, but not without provocation. Jim Lowery challenged the ordinance, contending that the title was misleading because it did not mention the 2.5 mill tax. He maintained the eastern part of the county already has ambulance service, and asked for a status report from the representative from Ozark Ambulance. The reply was, “We’re surviving, but I’m not sure how long it will last.”
Lowery continued that the county was getting ambulance service for free, and he took issue with the amount of tax in the ordinance. “You know in your own mind that’s an unreal figure. Take your time. What’s the rush?”
JP Jack Deaton responded that there was a rush because the court needed to act at that meeting if they intended to put the ordinance on the ballot in the November general election. Otherwise, it would cost the county $25,000 to hold a special election instead of $4000 for the general election. “We’re just voting to get it on the ballot, and then the voters can decide,” Deaton said.
JP Larry Swofford added, “We’re not asking them [voters] for anything. They get to vote on this. Why should I take the right to vote away from my people?”
JP John Reeve commented the ambulance service is critical, and noted no ambulance service has succeeded for long in the eastern part of the county. Mercy Corporation subsidized Mercy Ambulance until the cost became prohibitive. “It’s not likely a company without funding will make it. This ordinance establishes the district and provides funding.”
Reeve also explained the 2.5 mills amount came from calculations made by the county assessor’s office based on figures provided on how much it would cost to maintain the service.
JP Marty Johnson disagreed with some of Reeve’s claims, as well as the process, until Deaton responded, “I’m uncomfortable with the way this played out, but I’m like Larry that we should let the voters decide.”
JP John Howerton commented, “I’ve never voted for a property tax increase in my life, but I’m gonna vote for this.”
“I think it’s a rush job,” Johnson stated.
“Send it to the voters,” JP Joe Mills replied.
Vote on the second and third readings was 8-1 to approve, Johnson voting No, so the ordinance passed.
The next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. This is one week later than the usual date for the meeting.