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Commission backs placing four-mill ambulance levy on November ballot
Summary
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission approved Resolution No. 26-17 to place a four-mill countywide levy on the November ballot to fund ambulance operations; officials described rising EMS costs and said the levy equalizes funding between city and non-city residents.
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission voted 5-0 to approve Resolution No. 26-17, placing a four-mill levy on the November general election ballot to fund countywide ambulance operations.
Commissioner Ed Beaudette said the proposal shifts funding that previously came from a city-only fire levy so residents outside the former consolidated fire district will contribute to ambulance service costs. CEO Bill Everett argued that local ambulances operate at a loss and require subsidies for continued coverage: "If you want an ambulance in your community and in a rural setting, you need to subsidize it or you’re not going to have it." Captain Scholler of the Anaconda Fire Department described service demand, saying "about 85% of our calls are EMS" and noted recent purchases and upcoming equipment needs, including a $320,000 ambulance and replacements for older units.
Chair Kevin Hart provided voter-impact examples to illustrate the levy’s cost: "For a home worth $100,000, the annual amount added to your tax would be $3.04; for $300,000 it would be $9.12; for $600,000 it would be $21.44 per year." County Attorney Morgan Smith said the language in the Resolution and ballot materials complies with Montana statute. With no public comment, Commissioner Beaudette moved to place the question on the ballot; Commissioner Gates seconded and the motion carried 5-0. The measure will appear to voters this Fall.
