By Rich Wicks | Lake Panorama Times
The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors announced that eight informational meetings would be held to inform citizens about the proposed countywide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the related levy measure that voters will decide upon during the Nov. 5 election. The meetings are open to the public and begin at 7 p.m. Five meetings have already taken place, but the following three remain:
Oct. 10: ACGC High Auditorium, Guthrie Center
Oct. 14: Yale Community Building
Oct. 16: Panorama High School Auditorium, Panora
Guthrie County is proposing the establishment of a coordinated, countywide EMS framework, which would be funded through a levy of $0.75 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for properties. The revenue generated from this new levy would be used to contract with existing EMS service providers and enhance their capabilities, ensuring that emergency medical care is accessible throughout the county. A key part of this would be the addition of a fully staffed ambulance based in Guthrie Center, which will help improve response times to all parts of the county. This new structure will be overseen by an appointed advisory council, as required by law.
Emergency medical services are currently provided to residents of Guthrie County via three primary entities: Panora EMS, Stuart EMS and Adair Fire and Rescue. Each of these organizations deliver medical care to residents and visitors countywide. According to proponents of the levy, the existing structure presents challenges in terms of coordination, resource allocation, and comprehensive coverage. In particular, significant gaps in coverage exist when it comes to serving the western and northwestern portions of the county.
More information is available at www.guthriecountyems.org.