That was clarified Tuesday when the County Commission met, holding discussion pertaining to the proposal of a one-cent countywide sales tax dedicated to EMS funding. That sales tax would replace the use of property tax funding for that purpose, offering, Commissioners say, property tax relief.
Atchison County Counselor David Van Parys, during the commission's weekly meeting, explained the legalities pertaining to funding use should voters approve the sales tax. "I would offer that even in the absence of any explicit statutory mandate that you use those funds, it's a ballot question presented to the electorate," Van Parys said, adding that, "the language is pretty clear: dedicated sales tax for EMS. You are precluded by law from spending it on anything else."
The explanation came as the commission sought certainty that future commissions can't utilize the generated funds for any other use.
"You can adopt a charter resolution that affirms that, outlines the sales tax revenues, but also continual commitment that all EMS-generated revenue shall be placed only in an account for the use by EMS," Van Parys told the Commission.
Atchison County voters, on August 4, will decide whether or not the new sales tax is implemented.
