Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Medical Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mount Vernon council schedules Nov. 3 hearing on joint emergency medical service district
Summary
The council set a Nov. 3 public hearing to consider forming a joint Emergency Medical Service District under Iowa Code 357G after a presentation from Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service on staffing, funding and benefits. The proposed levy is estimated at $0.6667 per $1,000 taxable value.
Jacob Lindauer of the Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service explained to the Mount Vernon City Council on Oct. 20 the petition process under Iowa Code 357G to form a joint Emergency Medical Service (EMS) District covering the city and neighboring townships.
Lindauer said the plan would add three full-time positions to provide 24/7 paramedic coverage, reduce reliance on volunteers and allow access to additional federal and state funding to offset operating costs. He told the council the current levy estimate is $0.6667 per $1,000 of taxable value, which would equal about $94 per year on a $300,000 home.
The district can be formed after a petition signed by at least 25% of resident property owners, a city public hearing, passage of a local ordinance and approval by voters. Lindauer described the proposed joint district as a way to create a voter-approved funding mechanism intended to ensure reliable ambulance coverage and local control.
Councilmember Tuerler moved to set a public hearing on the petition for Nov. 3, 2025; Councilmember Rose seconded the motion, which carried on a roll call vote recorded as "all yes." The hearing will allow residents to hear details and provide comment before the council considers ordinance language and a potential election.
Why this matters: Rural ambulance services increasingly face volunteer staffing shortages and higher demand. The council's decision to set a public hearing initiates the formal local process under Iowa Code 357G and could commit the city to a voter-approved levy and multi-jurisdictional service structure if approved.
Next steps: The council will hold the Nov. 3 public hearing and may later consider ordinance language to create the district and place a ballot measure before voters.
