EMS levy request deserves support
Voters in Kalispell are being asked to authorize a new levy that will fund ambulance service within the city.
While service could probably continue with current funding from service fees, the county EMS levy and the Kalispell city general fund, there has been no room under that funding formula for adequate growth in staffing or upgrades in equipment. In addition, the money spent from the general fund on the ambulance service puts other city programs under pressure to meet their own needs.
As a result the Kalispell council is asking city residents to approve 18.7 additional mills on their property taxes to create a dedicated fund for emergency medical services. This levy would generate $736,000 annually and would cost residential property owners an additional $24.48 for every $100,000 of valuation of their home. Commercial property owners would see a somewhat higher impact on their tax bill.
After considerable deliberation, the Inter Lake has decided to support the mill levy request.
A task force that included the city manager, fire chief, union representative and others looked at six options ranging from maintaining the current level of services and funding to actually privatizing the ambulance service. We have read their report and their recommendations and we find that in balance they make a convincing, if not compelling, case why the city would benefit from the expansion of staffing and services that this mill levy will make possible. Yes, there are other alternatives, and all of them have pros and cons, but no one of them strikes us as better than the choice on the ballot.
Now it is up to the voters.
Obviously, all of us want to know that when we call for an ambulance in a medical emergency, one will be sent in a timely manner, with adequate staffing and up-to-date medical equipment. Whether we think that assurance is worth paying an extra $50 a year on the property taxes for a $200,000 house is something each of us must decide for ourselves.
There is perhaps no right or wrong answer to that question. Indeed, the task force acknowledged that the mill levy request “provides the community an opportunity to participate in deciding the level of service they would like to see.”
No one can predict the outcome of that decision, but our recommendation is voting FOR the mill levy, and then maintaining a watchful eye on how the money is spent over the next several years to guarantee the outcome indeed provides better service and a safer Kalispell.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Daily Inter Lake’s editorial board.