HC Supervisors discuss potential levy for emergency medical services

MT. PLEASANT - The Henry County Supervisors are continuing to determine a potential levy amount in order to fund emergency medical services for the county.

The discussion follows months of communication between Henry County Health Center, who currently operates the service, and the county. Based on information provided by HCHC, start up costs for the county to take over the service would be approximately $1,606,294, which would include salaries, insurance and benefits for staff, equipment and supplies, as well as a leasing agreement to house the service at the hospital.

To cover start up costs, supervisor Greg Moeller noted the county would likely need to levy $1.75 per thousand on property tax, which would bring in $1,613,071 to fund the service. The supervisors also discussed potential levying $1.35, which would amount to $1,244,369, but would be $368,702 short of the total budget the supervisors calculated for the cost of the service.

Levy amount aside, the supervisors expressed continued concern about bankrolling the service for the first quarter, from July to October. Because the county does not receive taxes until the first the last week of September, should the county take over the service in July of 2021, the preferred time frame suggested by the hospital, the county would not yet have funds available.

HCHC Chief Operating Officer Michelle Rosell, who attended the meeting, noted revenues from Medicare and insurance companies like Blue Cross would begin coming in within the first month, which could potentially help offset costs in the first quarter.

During their work session, the supervisors also discussed when the levy would be presented to voters. Attorney Steve Nadel from law firm Ahlers & Cooney, noted the levy could potentially be presented during the general election if the supervisors decide to move forward. No final decisions were made on the levy amount or whether it would be presented on the ballot in November.