Othello hospital district patrons to vote on EMS levy proposal

OTHELLO — Voters in the Othello Community Hospital district (Adams County Hospital District No. 3) will be asked to approve or reject a six-year levy to maintain funding for the district’s ambulance service. If approved, the levy would generate $525,000 per year for six years.

The levy will be on the ballot for the 2017 primary election, scheduled for Aug. 1.

If approved, hospital district property owners would pay an estimated 40 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of property valued at $200,000 would pay an estimated $80 in taxes, and a landowner whose property was worth $250,000 would pay about $100.

Hospital district voters originally approved the levy in 2011. Because the levy proposal is a continuation of the existing levy, it requires a bare majority, 50 percent plus one vote, to pass.

The money pays a portion of the ambulance service costs and personnel. The hospital maintains 24-hour ambulance service and EMTs on staff. In addition to answering emergency calls, the ambulance service provides patient transfers both out of town and locally.

The hospital also provides EMT-B and EMT-I training through the ambulance service, according to the hospital website. First aid classes are offered as well.

“It’s good for our community,” said hospital administrator Connie Agenbroad. The community would not have a lot of options for ambulance service without it, she said.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.