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Board sets public hearing for EMS levy; residents voice concern the proposal is too short and underfunded
Summary
Hardin County supervisors scheduled a public hearing for an EMS property tax levy on July 22 and were told the ballot language must be published by early September; a resident speaker said the board-drafted referendum would raise about $1.2 million annually, short of an estimated $2 million needed and criticized a five-year limit and township administration plan.
The Hardin County Board of Supervisors voted to set published notice and a public hearing for an emergency medical services (EMS) property tax levy referendum for Wednesday, July 22 at 9:01 a.m. in the large conference room of the Hardin County Courthouse. County staff explained the version of the ordinance to appear on the ballot would need to be published in early September (about 60 days ahead of the November election), leaving August for any adjustments based on public input.
Lisa Lawler, who identified herself at the meeting as a Hardin County citizen, urged the board to present the EMS advisory council's preferred language rather than the board-crafted referendum. Lawler read the referendum text and said, “The proposed referendum brings in approximately 1,200,000 per year, $800,000 short of what is needed,” arguing that the county needs roughly $2,000,000 annually to maintain EMS. She also questioned why townships were designated to administer funds and said a five-year levy term is too short for sustainability.
Board members and staff discussed timing for public input and the role of the EMS advisory committee; staff said August provides a window to incorporate changes that arise at the public hearing on July 22. The board passed the motion to set the published notice and hearing; no final levy rate or formal adoption of the levy occurred at the meeting.
