Council raises equity concerns about proposed EMS mill levy; considers alternatives

Council members told the work session on Feb. 24 they are worried a countywide EMS mill levy could shift disproportionate costs to Star Valley Ranch residents without proportional service benefits.

Councilman Bitter presented a financial analysis using an average property value of $550,000. He calculated a 2-mill levy would cost a homeowner about $105 per year and a 4-mill levy about $209; for vacant lots he estimated $13–$26 per year. He estimated a 4-mill levy would bring roughly $300,000 from Star Valley Ranch while the town’s current EMS-related contribution is about $33,000.

Bitter stressed fairness in how municipalities would share the burden and suggested the county pursue individual contracts with towns instead of a single mill levy. “Taxes, once established, are rarely removed,” he said, framing the council’s caution about permanent tax changes. Councilman Merrill echoed equity concerns and proposed the town study whether a local Quick Response Unit staffed by EMT basics could provide faster basic life support and be more cost-effective than the county model.

Why it matters: The county’s anticipated March 17 announcement would open a 60-day public comment period and potentially lead to a public vote as early as May 19 or, more likely, June 2. If approved, a mill levy would alter local property-tax bills and the town’s share of EMS funding.

Next steps: The council agreed to monitor the county process, compile concerns and draft a letter to county commissioners during the public comment period. No formal resolution or vote was taken at the work session.