Council approves ballot language for Mount Vernon EMS district special levy

The Mount Vernon City Council voted to approve Resolution 8-3-2026a, authorizing ballot language for a proposed Mount Vernon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) district special levy to appear on the 09/01/2026 ballot. City staff explained the levy would be displayed on property tax bills and is structured as an annual levy rather than a recurring monthly charge; "it's on your tax bill," a city staff speaker said during the discussion.

Council members asked for clarity on collection and duration. Staff said the levy is charged once per year and the enabling language caps the tax at $1 per $1,000 of assessed value while proposing an initial tax rate of 0.677 per $1,000. A council member stressed that the ballot language allows future adjustments up to the stated maximum, noting the state provides flexibility on levy increases.

The council also discussed how trustees for the EMS district will be chosen and what authority they will have. Staff described trustees as the board that will set the levy annually and oversee budget and operations; the council confirmed that if fewer than three trustees are written in on the ballot, the council will appoint trustees. Staff said the trustee positions require residency in the district. The district, as described in the discussion, will include Mount Vernon, Lisbon and portions of surrounding townships in Linn and Johnson counties.

The motion to adopt the ballot language was moved on the record and the chair called the roll; the chair announced the motion passed and directed staff to proceed with ballot placement and outreach. The council asked staff to coordinate outreach and provide further information about trustee appointments before ballots are finalized.