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Cole County passes ambulance tax

By News Tribune staff
Published: Wednesday, November 5, 2008 4:27 AM CST
In an unexpected upset marked by a razor-thin margin, Cole County voters agreed Tuesday to assess a half-cent sales tax to build a new countywide ambulance service.

Of the more than 36,000 residents who cast ballots, 18,514 cast “yes” votes and 18,060 cast “no” votes. The split was 50.62 to 49.38 percent. The tax proposal would have tied if 454 more people had voted against it.

The decision will allow the Cole County Commission to go forward with plans to craft a countywide ambulance service, one capable of serving both city and county residents.

The decision became controversial this fall when city officials moved forward with plans of their own to build a countywide ambulance service. The two plans compete with one another, a choice that befuddled many residents who questioned why officials hadn't worked together to craft a joint plan.

What comes next for the city isn't yet clear. Council members have already approved an eight-cent city property tax rate increase.

The larger ambulance committee - originally convened by Capital Region Medical Center officials - is expected to meet again Monday.

Meanwhile, in Wardsville, voters approved a water bond issue.

In contested Cole County races, Jeff Hoelscher won the Eastern District Commissioner's set, and Chris Wrigley was re-elected to the Western District post. Chris Estes continues as county assessor, Greg White as sheriff, and Marilyn Schmutzler retains her public administrator's job. Eric Peters was elected county treasurer.

CLICK HERE to see local, area and state election results.


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Jackscrewedus wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:23 PM:

" The union bosses are normal firemen. Their voted in by the other firemen in the city.The firmen voted to support the city plan. They did this to insure the people would get the best service available. Sorry it didn't work. "

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Boscoe wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:33 PM:

" So what is the plan for all this city and county tax money that has been approved?

When are they going to sit down and work together to get us the best, most efficient service? "

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TheRickster wrote on Nov 9, 2008 10:42 PM:

" So I am expecting a darn good ambulance service in Cole Co. What with the sales tax, and the property gain, there should be plenty of money to hire quality people, equiptment, and total service.Competition would have been ridiculous.
And bye Mr. Blunt, don't let the door hit you in the rear! "

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Longhorn wrote on Nov 9, 2008 4:48 PM:

" What did the fire fighter union bosses have to gain from the City running the EMS? 44+ new fire department employees paying union dues., promotions for current members, and another annexation tool for the City, so in the future more fire stations, more union members and more promotions for union members. Why did the union bosses spend $6,000 to oppose the County’s plan? Because the City plan would have been good for the union. "

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ironman wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:33 PM:

" As far as quoting the Bible who’s judging who. Like was said “It could be your wife, your fellow city firefighter, or even your doctor or church clergy member".
It might even be a friend. I am just telling the facts as I know them. I believe the worst type of person is a liar. I would not tell the public something that was a lie. I personally don’t care either way. It would be nice for the city to run the ambulance. I trust the city fire fighters and there union. If you think different than that’s your business. "

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ironman wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:24 PM:

" Out of all the voters I talked to 90% were confused. They had no idea if they should vote yes or no. They voted yes because they were afraid to loose ambulance service altogether. The city would of provided service to the county and the county commission knows this. "

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uneducated citizen wrote on Nov 8, 2008 2:45 PM:

" I do understand what public service means. Our Soldiers, the man that picks up your trash, the lady that checks out your groceries, the person that fixes your roof, the custodian of the school, etc. Fortunately, the voters knew what was best. Does the union really believe that the city would provide ambulances to the county? I will give you credit for telling the truth, the union will gain nothing from the tax passing. "

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martian0722 wrote on Nov 8, 2008 7:20 AM:

" (Proverbs 15:1)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Be careful of those you redicul for voting YES. It could be your wife, your fellow city firefighter, or even your doctor or church clergy member.

Did CREMS treat residents in JC proper different than those in the outside county? Does a JC firefighter treat a person differently depending on their address? How about a volunteer firefighter/first responder who arrives on scene of an accident? Do they "qualify" a patient to determine if they get "city" or "county" treament?

Remember there are only a few "bad apples" in here trying to represent and entire city's "assumed view". "

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Ironman wrote on Nov 8, 2008 5:46 AM:

" "uneducated citizen " I find it hard to believe that you do no understand what public service means. The union was trying to do what was best for the people of Cole County. They would of gained nothing from the tax passing as a union. "

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uneducated citizen wrote on Nov 7, 2008 7:31 PM:

" You tell me what you were going to get. Unions don't spend that much money without expecting something in return. "

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havetheinfo wrote on Nov 7, 2008 3:03 PM:

" To uneducated citizen: I would really like to know what you think the city and the union was going to “get” out of running a ambulance service. YOU state that the city and union should try to work harder and get less. What do you think Union was going to get. I would really like to know. The city and the Union were trying to provide the best ambulance service to the citizens for a reasonable price, but you think they were trying to get something. Please help me understand. "

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truthbetold wrote on Nov 6, 2008 7:32 PM:

" Well, the county and City were bamboozled again. REGARDLESS of how you voted, be sure to compare last years property taxes to the taxes you pay in '09... If you get a 60% rollback on your total taxation.. I'll pay the difference! ha ha ha... and yes, CRMC did purchase a new ambulance, it was in their budget!! Again, do your homework everyone! "

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boscoe wrote on Nov 6, 2008 3:01 PM:

" County can buy an ambulance today from the state contract or state surplus property. Who knows- the fulton state hospital may have surplused an ambulance last week ? "

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uneducated citizen wrote on Nov 6, 2008 2:58 PM:

" We are capable of thinking for ourselves, Sir or Madam. The union and the city seem to think the taxpayers are not capable of thinking for ourselves. Maybe a few of you should work harder for us and try to get less for yourselves all the time. Most of the county and city employees do a professional job, to those we say thank you. "

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lovemyboys wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:46 PM:

" CRMC medic -- I don't think anyone on this post thinks you don't do a good job. The medics and firefighters are awesome! Its the administration that scares us..!

I want to know why St. Mary's doesn't buck up and help...they benefit from this ambulance service...surely they are paying Capital Region something for running the ambulacne service? "

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havetheinfo wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:18 PM:

" sorry about hitting enter twice "

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havetheinfo wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:17 PM:

" contd...I could go on and on about why the comment about the new ambulance show a complete lack of education on the ambulance issue. Capital Region had been in the process of purchasing that ambulance for over 3 months. "

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havetheinfo wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:10 PM:

" contd...I could go on and on about why the comment about the new ambulance show a complete lack of education on the ambulance issue. Capital Region had been in the process of purchasing that ambulance for over 3 months. "

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havetheinfo wrote on Nov 6, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Neighbor’s last comment just goes to show how uneducated the citizens are on the tax issue, and in general how the county must fiscally operate. First the county hasn’t even started collecting the tax. Second if the county decides to buy an ambulance the county would have to follow a bid process to make that large of a purchase and that process would take a minimum of 2 weeks and closer to a month. Third no one can go buy an ambulance like you buy cars off of a car lot; it takes time to build, paint, etc. contd... "

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neighbor wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:34 AM:

" The city taxpayers are only going to get taxed twice if the council choose to do that. There are plenty of ways the city can return the 8 cents. The county must be moving pretty fast, I saw a brand new ambulance yesterday. "

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neighbor wrote on Nov 6, 2008 11:28 AM:

" A couple of you guys sound like this is a bad thing. I am sure the new County Ambulance wil do an excellent job in serving everyone. It was a surprising outcome on the election though, don't you think? A lot of people thought it would pass by a landslide. "

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Jackscrewedus wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:21 PM:

" As far as CRMC doing a good job- they do but with limited funds. This is the same system the county wants to use? At least I'm only getting taxed once. I feel sorry for the city folks. "

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Jackscrewedus wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:18 PM:

" If I,m right the city cannot role back the .08 till next October or so. "

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Jackscrewedus wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Amazing how someones agenda towards the city can hurt so many. I think the county should pay the city to operate the service. The city has a plan the county wants to use the hospital. Not hard to figure out. "

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carolyn wrote on Nov 5, 2008 8:03 PM:

" Now the city has to figure out what to do with the money. ($08.) I say....give it back! "

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CRMC Medic wrote on Nov 5, 2008 5:44 PM:

" Please remember I am still trying to do a good job. Watch your comments. "

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Parrothead911 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:56 PM:

" Questions:

Now that the county tax passed (sigh), does the City Pkan go out the window, or is the county going to be responsible for City EMS as well (eek!).

If that is the case, what happens to the $.08 pproperty tax the city has already passed that was targeted for EMS?

And, by the way, what EXACTLY is the Conty Plan for EMS? "

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wearescrewed wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:47 PM:

" No, ohwowthisisfun, if you buy a car anywhere in the state then you'll have to pay the local sales tax rate when you register. The tax on cars isn't like tax on buying other things. You might be able to save some money if you buyt it out of state, though. Does Jefferson City and Cole County have the use tax? "

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ohwowthisisfun wrote on Nov 5, 2008 4:12 PM:

" I'm sure this will really help the slowing economy in the area as well. I know if I was wanting to buy a new vehicle for $50k for easy math sake, I'd be fine saving $250 (1/2 % sales tax) if I could find a tax rate that's lower elsewhere. "

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who wrote on Nov 5, 2008 3:45 PM:

" I will do all of the shopping I can OUTSIDE of cole county. I am so tired of the contest to see who is the bigger man between the county and the city. "

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lovemyboys wrote on Nov 5, 2008 1:04 PM:

" wearescrewed...just had to say...love your sign on! LOL! "

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beehumble wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:46 AM:

" Yeeaahh! more taxes....this election has me wondering if I will still have a home by the next election. Can't afford to live as it is right now. HEY, how about taxing me for waking up in the morning! Hope I don't have a heart attack anytime soon, because the county has no plan to help. Even if they did.....hmmm....won't go there. "

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justaguy wrote on Nov 5, 2008 11:12 AM:

" Figure something out, guys. The clock is ticking, and Granny can't defibrillate herself on the way to the hospital. "

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wearescrewed wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:12 AM:

" I'll be reducing my spending so everyone will be getting less tax revenue. I suggest that we all do the same. Enough is enough. "

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