Despite shortfall, ambulance campaign soldiers on

Despite being $5,000 short of the required funds, the Campaign to Establish a Pettis County Ambulance District is going ahead with the issue on April’s ballot.

“This is a vital issue to our community and we felt this is the prudent path to follow,” said campaign treasurer John Fritz.

The “Say Yes to EMS” campaign is proposing a half-cent sales tax that would fund the creation of a countywide ambulance district, covering the whole of the county except for areas already covered by Sweet Springs, Windsor and Cole Camp districts.

In addition, a six-member board would be created 90 days after the election to oversee the district. However, the campaign has struggled in recent weeks to come up with the funds to get the issue on the ballot.

According to the Pettis County Clerk, the campaign has until mid-March to raise $11,700 to get the issue on the April 3 ballot.  

“By statute (election money) isn’t due until three Tuesdays before the election, which would be March 13 in this case,” said County Clerk Nick LaStrada. “(Tuesday) was certification day, so if they decide to withdraw from the election now, they’d have to go through the circuit courts to do so.”

After meeting Monday to discuss options, Fritz said members of the campaign committee decided there were enough reasons to move forward with the issue.

“Mainly, the people of Pettis County deserve the opportunity to make the responsible choice for our future long-term EMS services,” Fritz said. “There has been an immense amount of work put into this campaign so far and we were urged, not only by Pettis County residents, but also by Missouri EMS officials, to press forward.”

Fritz said that even though the campaign is short of funds, it’s gathered “a real momentum” in recent weeks.

“What we’re talking about is the cost of democracy,” Fritz added. “The cost to provide voters with an option.”

For more information about the campaign, visit sayyestoems.com.