Hardin County supervisors approve resolution to declare EMS an essential service after public hearing

The Hardin County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 2025-25, declaring emergency medical services (EMS) an essential service in Hardin County and directing staff to pursue a voter-approved funding plan. The board held a public hearing and heard multiple residents urge making EMS a guaranteed, county-level service to address staffing shortfalls and equipment needs.

The resolution, read into the record by Speaker 4, says EMS serves over 16,000 residents and notes workforce shortages, rising demand and funding limitations in rural communities. The board moved to approve the measure and carried it on a roll call vote; supervisors said the next step is forming an advisory committee to draft funding options and referendum language.

During the public hearing, longtime nurse Greg Melvor said, “I’m 100% in support of making EMS an essential service,” and detailed clinical limits of local clinics compared with ambulances, urging dedicated funding for equipment and staffing. Lisa Waller of New Providence supported designation but asked the advisory committee to answer specific budget questions, including “how much did EMS cost in the county last year?” and what revenue a 75¢ per $1,000 property levy would generate.

Officials and residents discussed financing options the statute allows: a property-tax levy, an income surtax, or a combination. Speaker 9 explained that state code requires 60% voter approval on a referendum to create the tax and noted the referendum language can specify how funds are distributed and include formulas or sunset provisions. Multiple speakers recommended that the advisory committee include EMS professionals from paid and volunteer services, city and township representatives, and first responders to ensure a practical allocation plan.

Speakers also cautioned that local hospital closures would greatly change county needs. Speaker 2 warned that losing local hospitals could make transport times far longer and substantially increase the number of crews required. Several commenters urged an “apples-to-apples” budget comparison across providers so the committee can estimate countywide costs and capital needs.

The board said it expects the advisory committee to inventory each provider’s budget (staffing, equipment, grants and other revenue), recommend a funding mechanism and draft clear referendum language. The board noted it is likely too late to place the question on this year’s ballot and that a referendum would be pursued next year if the committee’s work leads to that recommendation. The board carried the resolution and will take the next procedural vote to appoint the advisory committee at a future meeting.