SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) – The Clay County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Tuesday declaring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) an essential service.

During the regular session on June 10, the Board held its third and final public hearing on the matter. With no objections from the public, the resolution passed unanimously, officially placing the measure on the ballot for a public vote in November.

The session also included discussion of the proposed EMS Advisory Council, which would be formed if the measure receives voter approval. The council would recommend annual funding levels and advise the Board on EMS system needs, helping to shape a sustainable and professional emergency response network for the county.

Board Chair Allen Batschelet emphasized the urgency of the initiative, citing the growing challenges of relying solely on volunteer EMS providers.

If approved, the measure would allow the county to implement a property tax levy—up to $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed value—with all funds going into a dedicated trust used exclusively for EMS services.

Clay County would join over 20 other Iowa counties that have already declared EMS an essential service.