Allen County voters will have another opportunity to decide how the county funds emergency medical services after commissioners unanimously approved placing a proposed half-cent sales tax on the November ballot.
The tax would increase the county sales tax from 1.25% to 1.75% and is expected to generate about $1.2 million annually for EMS. In Iola, the combined sales tax rate would rise from 8.75% to 9.25%.
Officials said the additional revenue could eventually reduce the county’s reliance on property taxes, but cautioned that any reduction would not occur immediately. The sales tax would begin generating revenue in April, with its impact on property taxes expected to be considered in the 2028 budget.
The proposal follows the rejection of a similar measure by voters in 2024. Commissioner John Brocker said clearer ballot language will be important this time. The county has hired consultant Mike Taylor of Strategy Consultants to help educate voters about the proposal.
