BUCHANAN COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) - Buchanan County wants to join 21 other Iowa counties that have decided (Emergency Managements Services) EMS services are essential.

If passed the tax levy would be in effect for 15 years and would be up to 75 cents per $1,000 in property tax.

For a $200,000 house that would be an extra $150 a year.

It’s the second time Buchanan County has looked for a “Yes” vote to fund its EMS services, after the measure failed in 2024 .

If passed, Buchanan County would become Iowa’s 22nd county to deem EMS an essential service.

“We were 67 votes short, so less than a percent. That was very painful for us,” Dan Walter, Assistant Chief for Jesup Ambulance Services said.

If voters approve the measure, the county could establish its own ambulance service.

“The biggest

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