Voters in most areas of DeWitt County will see a referendum concerning ambulance service on the March 2012 ballot.

Thursday night the DeWitt County Board approved a resolution to place a referendum on the ballot asking voters to approve a new tax levy to fund ambulance service.  Board Chair Melonie Tilley says the question posed to voters will seek a levy not to exceed point-25-percent of a property's Equalized Assessed Valuation, or EAV.

[audio:ambulanceref1.mp3]Melonie Tilley[/audio]

Not every resident in the county will see the measure on the March ballot.  Finance Committee Chair Ed Young explains some areas of DeWitt County are already taxed for ambulance service, and thus can not be "double taxed."

[audio:ambulanceref2.mp3]Ed Young[/audio]

Despite the referendum resolution being approved by an 8 to 2 vote, there are still several questions concerning the future of ambulance service within the county.  Young admits that there are few answers at this point.

[audio:ambulanceref3.mp3]Ed Young[/audio]

Much of DeWitt County is currently served by the Dr. John Warner Hospital ambulance service, however the hospital announced earlier this year that they plan to halt the service at the end of 2012.  County and City of Clinton officials are looking to implement a funding source for a potential service before that cutoff.

In other business Thursday night, the DeWitt County Board...

> approved the appointment of Clinton resident Scott Nimmo (Nim-mo) to the Board in the seat formerly held by Dennis Rich.

> approved the purchase of a new squad car for the Sheriff's Department to replace a vehicle that was totaled in a recent traffic accident.