Spencer, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Clay County voters have approved a new property tax levy to fund Emergency Medical Services.

The measure passed with 1,604 “yes” votes to 1,022 “no”, securing 61 percent support—just clearing the 60 percent supermajority required.

Clay County Board of Supervisors Chair Allen Batschelet says the community’s support was vital.

The measure sets a tax ceiling of 75 cents per 1,000 dollars of assessed value, costing the owner of a 100-thousand-dollar home about 33 dollars a year.

Batschelet notes the funds, which could generate up to 900-thousand dollars annually, will be used to support an E-M-S system strained by a sharp decline in volunteers.