McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — McPherson County voters will consider a proposed half percent ambulance sales tax at the November general election. A resolution calling a special election was adopted by McPherson County Commissioners Monday.
The tax would provide funding for McPherson, Lindsborg, and Moundridge EMS and for Rural Fire District 1 at Canton and Rural Fire District 2 at Marquette, both of which provide ambulance services in their communities. If approved by voters the tax would take effect April 1, 2026, and have a five-year sunset provision unless voters approve an extension.
49 percent of the money raised would go to McPherson EMS, which is operated under contract by McPherson Center for Health, 18 percent to Lindsborg which contracts for EMS through a private firm, 15 percent to Moundridge EMS which is operated by the City, ten percent to Rural Fire District 1 and eight percent to Rural Fire District 2.
County Administrator Rick Witte said the county has authorization to levy up to one percent for health services, and there is an existing half percent sales tax supporting the three hospitals in McPherson County.
Witte estimated this would generate around four million dollars a year and would allow in 2027 for a mill and a half reduction in the county’s property tax levy. It could also lead to a levy reduction for the three cities and two fire districts, but that is not certain.
