Lincoln County Commissioners discuss the proposed EMS tax district following public comment on Tuesday, May 19 in Kemmerer. SVI PHOTO/DUKE DANCE

• Commissioners vote 2-1 to deny creation of district

In a 2-1 vote the Lincoln County Commissioners voted Tuesday, May 19 to deny the creation of a new tax district in Star Valley to fund Emergency Medical Services. The district was proposed by a working group, organized by Star Valley Health, to help offset roughly $2.5 million in losses incurred by operating EMS in Star Valley.

While commissioners said they agreed that the funding of EMS needs to be further discussed and evaluated, they did not agree with the process set forth of creating the district Specifically, that the commissioners would appoint the district’s board of directors instead of the public voting for them. Commissioner Shumway expressed concern that if the district was created, the appointed board could ask for a mill levy to appear on the ballot in November, and if the mill levy failed there would be an unfunded board that was not voted in by the public. Commissioner Connelly referenced the creation of the Alpine and Mid-Valley Fire Districts, which were passed in recent years by the majority of voters and not the county commissioners, stating that those districts were brought forth by petition with board members elected by the public.

Commissioner Shumway noted that the commissioners received 22 letters from the public, with 13 opposed and 9 in favor of the district. During the public comment period of the meeting, multiple people spoke in favor of the district as the best way forward to fund EMS, asking for the commissioners to give the public the chance to vote on the mill levy.

After public comment and discussion, Commissioner Shumway explained that an actionable item needed to be brought forth. As such he made a motion to approve the district. Commissioner Bowers seconded the motion. With no further discussion, the motion was voted on, with Commissioner Bowers voting yea and Commissioners Connelly and Shumway voting nay. The motion failed 2-1.