BOISE, Idaho — In the May election, Canyon County voters will decide on a $7.98 million override levy the Canyon County Ambulance District Board recently voted to put on the ballot.
"We think the need is there," District Chief Michael Stowell said, "and we're hoping that the public does too."
The district relies on property taxes and service fees. However, Stowell said the funding model is not keeping up with all the growth in the area, which led to an uptick in calls over the last couple of years.
Right now, taxpayers pay about $10 per $100,000. If the levy passes, they would pay about $31 per $100,000 of assessed value every year, a $21 dollar increase.
Stowell said people would pay less than $2 a month per $100,000, a "small amount" he claims would "go a long way."
The district hopes to improve recruitment and retention rates. So, some of the additional money would go toward increasing pay for staff because Canyon County has a difficult time competing with Ada County Paramedics and nearby fire departments, Stowell said.
"For time-sensitive emergencies, the heart attack the stroke, the major traumas ... seconds, minutes count, and we're just adding those seconds and minutes up by not having as many ambulances on duty per day as we should," he said.
Stowell said upping staffing levels would also help free up firefighters and police officers. Right now, they sometimes have to wait lengthy times for EMS to arrive, especially in rural areas.
Caldwell Fire Chief Richard Frawley encourages people to educate themselves about the levy. He plans on voting "yes" during the primary.
"We're here to support [the district] in any way we can," he said. "As we grow as a community, having our paramedics with the resources that they need and the personnel they need to respond is key to our growth and our success."
Money from the override levy would also go toward rebuilding a station in South Nampa, one of the county's busiest areas. Stowell said the money would also help the district build a new station in South Caldwell and purchase new vehicles.
If the levy does not pass, Stowell said they will have to reduce services within the year.
"It's not a scare tactic," he said. "It's just reality."
Inadequate EMS funding is a state-wide problem. A senator plans on introducing legislation this week making EMS an essential service, potentially opening the door for state funding down the road.
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