EMS group sounds alarm for funds

During a public hearing Monday about a proposed half-cent sales tax that would fund the creation of the Pettis County Ambulance District, residents in attendance learned of a stumbling block to the effort — a lack of funds.

“Right now, we’re about $7,000 short to even get the sales tax question on the ballot,” said John Fritz, treasurer of the Campaign to Establish a Pettis County Ambulance District. “We have about a week to find the money and if we don’t, well, I’m not sure what is going to happen.”

According to the county clerk, it will cost the campaign $11,700 to put the question on the ballot. Because of state statutes, city and county entities are not allowed to contribute funds despite the apparent need for a countywide ambulance district, Fritz said.

“Unfortunately, some of our larger contributions have not been secured,” he said. “We’ve talked with attorneys for the campaign and it looks like if we don’t raise the money to get (the question) on the ballot, we’d have to start the entire, lengthy process all over again.”

The proposed half-cent sales tax would create an ambulance district that would cover all of Pettis County except for those areas already covered by Sweet Springs, Windsor and Cole Camp ambulance districts. In addition, a six-member board would be created 90 days after the election to oversee the district. Currently the ambulance district is run on reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies, but according to Fritz, that money is declining.

“There’s just no way we can squeeze any more money out of those avenues,” he said at the hearing. “Pettis is one of only a handful of counties in the state that doesn’t have an ambulance district like the one we’re proposing, and (it is) one of the most poorly funded counties. If we can’t even get the measure on the ballot, I’m worried about the safety of our citizens.”

If the measure does get on the ballot and passes, citizens would continue to pay for ambulance service in addition to the sales tax, which would generate about $2.5 million in revenue.

“I’d like to see the citizens of Sedalia and Pettis County not let (the lack of funds) stand in the way of creating this ambulance district,” said Ward 1 Councilman Stephen Galliher, who spoke at the hearing. “I know the citizens and businesspeople of Pettis are good people and will help contribute to get this on the ballot.”

Fritz was cautiously optimistic about finding the funding to get the issue on the ballot.
“I have hope,” he said. “Often, people don’t think of ambulance services or anything else until they’re in a moment when they have to dial 911. We want to continue to provide the best service possible and keep our response times low. Without the creation of this ambulance district — and without the funds to get the question on the ballot — I’m not sure we’ll continue to be able to do that.”

Those interested in donating to the campaign can call 473-1755, mail a contribution to Campaign to Establish the Pettis County Ambulance District, John Fritz Treasurer, 1316 W. 32nd St., Sedalia, MO 65301, or go to sayyestoems.com.