In December of last year, the Louisa County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution declaring Emergency Medical Services as an essential service. This decision led to the creation of an EMS advisory board, which was tasked with assessing the needs of the County and determining a fair amount to set the tax levy.

After months of deliberation, the board proposed a property tax of fifty-nine cents per one thousand dollars of assessed value. According to Iowa Code, this value cannot exceed seventy-five cents. With the proposed number of fifty-nine cents, a property with a gross taxable value of $79,734 would see their annual taxes increase by approximately $47. Money generated from this tax would go to the three EMS services within Louisa County for equipment updates and help with operating costs.

The question will be voted on this November. In order to pass, the tax levy needs sixty percent approval and if approved would be in effect for a maximum of 15 years.