GRATIS — Gratis-area voters on Tuesday will decide on several ballot issues aimed at maintaining consistent and prompt Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the Village of Gratis, Gratis Township, and West Elkton according to village officials.
The issues presented on the Nov. 5 general election ballot seeks to secure ongoing funding for local EMS staffing, as a two-year grant that has covered these costs is set to expire, officials said in a release earlier this week.
Over the past two years, a grant award enabled Gratis EMS to add four full-time and six part-time emergency response positions, officials note. This staffing boost has significantly reduced response times during emergencies, improving the community’s overall safety. Village officials emphasized that without the additional funding from the proposed levy, EMS response times could increase due to potential staffing shortages, and the availability of emergency responders could be compromised.
The need for stable funding comes amid broader, national challenges in EMS staffing, with rising training costs, fewer volunteers, and increased expenses impacting many communities, officials said. Additionally, the village’s EMS department faces growing costs for essentials like fuel, medical supplies, and equipment. A major funding priority includes replacing an aging ambulance in service since 2003, which is vital for maintaining reliable emergency response services.
Gratis officials are urging voters to carefully consider the issues, and make an informed decision on Nov. 5, and highlighted the community’s stake in ensuring the ongoing strength and reliability of local EMS services in the release.
Issue 11 is a proposed tax levy (additional) for the Village of Gratis. The official ballot language reads: “A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the Village of Gratis for the purpose of EMS operating expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $47,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $100 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.”
Issue 14 is a proposed tax levy (additional) for the Village of West Elkton. The official ballot language reads: “A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the Village of West Elkton for the purpose of emergency medical services operating expense that the county auditor estimates will collect $10,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $105 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.”
Issue 42 is a proposed tax levy (renewal) for the Gratis Township Ambulance District. The official ballot language reads: “A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Gratis Township Ambulance District, excluding the Villages of Gratis & West Elkton, for the purpose of emergency medical services that the county auditor estimates will collect $40,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $13 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026.”
Issue 44 is a proposed tax levy (additional) for the Gratis Township Ambulance District. The official ballot language reads: “A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. An additional tax for the benefit of Gratis Township Ambulance District (Excluding the Villages of Gratis and West Elkton) for the purpose of ambulance and emergency medical services that the county auditor estimates will collect $298,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $100 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.”
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
