AMBULANCE DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Current law requires county commissions to divide newly formed ambulance districts into six election districts for the election of district directors. This act repeals such provisions and requires all directors to be elected district-wide, as described in the act. (Sections 190.050 to 190.052)

AMBULANCE DISTRICT CONSOLIDATION

Current law provides that two or more ambulance districts may consolidate into one ambulance district either by petition signed by a sufficient number of voters or by resolution passed by each board of directors of the consolidating ambulance districts. This act provides that each such petition or resolution shall be accompanied by a consolidation plan that shall include certain information, as described in the act.

Each consolidating ambulance district shall post a notice of intent to consolidate, and shall hold a joint public hearing to solicit public comment and objections, provided that all objections shall be signed by no less than five percent of the number of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election and shall be filed with the county clerk no later than thirty days following the public hearing. If no objections are made, the county commission shall order the districts consolidated. If objections are made, the county commission shall submit the question of consolidation to the voters, as described in the act.

If the voters approve the consolidation of ambulance districts, such district shall be authorized to impose a property tax or sales tax at the highest levy in effect in any of the consolidating districts. If the districts are consolidated without objection by the county commission, the district shall only be authorized to impose a property tax or sales tax at the lowest levy in effect in any of the consolidating districts.

Finally, the act authorizes any ambulance district that has contracted for ambulance service with another district for more than five consecutive years to submit a joint resolution executed by the boards of both such districts requesting consolidation. Upon the receipt of such resolution, the county commission shall order the districts consolidated without notice or public hearing. (Section 190.090)

JOSH NORBERG