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Commissioners discuss possible 1% healthcare sales tax, ballot language and 60‑day timing
Summary
Ottawa County commissioners discussed placing a 1% healthcare sales tax question on the ballot to fund EMS and the county hospital, explored whether ballot language must allocate percentages between entities, and noted a 60‑day deadline to submit the question to the county clerk.
Tammi Cox reported she had contacted Gilmore & Bell to confirm what information is required to proceed with a potential sales‑tax ballot question for healthcare. Commissioner Carla Grund said counsel indicated the county could list both the hospital and EMS on the ballot without assigning a specific percentage split; she advocated for a full 1% county‑retained healthcare sales tax to give future commissions flexibility in allocating funds.
Commissioners discussed the logistics and timing: Cox stated the clerk needs ballot language at least 60 days prior to the election, and commissioners acknowledged earlier submission is preferable. Grund said she wants the sales tax revenue to support health care broadly (including EMS and the county hospital) and also mentioned compensating use tax as part of the revenue discussion. No formal ballot language was adopted at the meeting; staff will continue to work with counsel and return with required materials if the commission decides to proceed.
