Commissioners approve placing four‑mill countywide ambulance levy on November ballot

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission voted 5-0 on July 21 to place Resolution No. 26-17 on the November general election ballot, asking qualified electors to approve a countywide levy of four permanent mills to fund ambulance operations.

Commissioner Ed Beaudette, who moved the resolution, said the measure shifts ambulance funding out of the city fire levy so county residents who already receive ambulance service will contribute through a countywide levy. CEO Bill Everett told the commission ambulances operate at a loss and that sustaining rural EMS requires subsidy: "When an ambulance does a run, it's not a profitable situation." Anaconda Fire Captain Scholler said about "85% of our calls are EMS" and described rising equipment and staffing expenses, including a recently purchased ambulance for about $320,000 and upcoming replacement needs. Chair Kevin Hart provided taxpayer impact examples: "For a home worth $100,000.00, the annual amount added to your tax would be $3.04," he said, adding the annual cost for higher-valued homes is still modest.

County Attorney Morgan Smith told the commission the resolution and required ballot language comply with Montana statute as presented (citation not specified in the meeting packet). Commissioner Beaudette's motion to place the levy question on the ballot was seconded by Commissioner Steve Gates and carried 5-0. The next step is inclusion of the ballot question in November's general election materials and public outreach explaining how the change will affect current fire levies and taxpayers.