Atchison County commissioners discuss one-cent EMS sales tax, legal steps if ballot measure passes

Atchison County commissioners spent a portion of their July 14 meeting outlining next steps if voters approve a proposed one-cent sales tax to fund emergency medical services (EMS). County Counselor David Van Parys told the board that, should the ballot question pass, the county would pass a resolution and notify the Department of Revenue to ensure correct appropriation of funds.

Van Parys said the board could go further by adopting a charter resolution to affirm that sales tax revenues ‘‘would be placed only in an account for EMS use.’’ Commissioners also clarified that passage of a dedicated sales tax would not mean EMS services would be provided for free; individuals who use EMS would still receive bills for services.

Commissioner James Campbell framed the proposal as a timely community funding option, saying the recent local visitor traffic supports the proposal: "the one cent sales tax to fund EMS makes sense. Please do research and visit our website for more information," he said. A member of the public asked whether the tax would apply to groceries; commissioners indicated their understanding that a local sales tax would apply to food sales and noted that the state discontinued its food sales tax Jan. 1, 2025.

The commissioners directed staff and legal counsel to clarify implementation steps and reporting mechanisms should the ballot measure succeed; Van Parys said he would consult the Department of Revenue on procedural requirements. No ordinance or charter language was adopted at the July 14 meeting; the session recorded discussion and direction only.