Voters within the Hennessey School District approved the creation of a 522 Ambulance District during Tuesday’s election, providing a new funding source for local ambulance service.
According to election results, with all precincts reporting, Proposition 522 passed with 378 votes in favor and 218 opposed within the Hennessey School District.
A small portion of the Hennessey School District extends into Garfield County, where voters also supported the measure by a vote of 15 to 6.
These results remain unofficial until certified by the appropriate election board.
The measure establishes a property tax of up to three mills within the district. Officials estimate the tax will generate approximately $221,148 annually to help fund emergency medical services for Hennessey and the surrounding area.
Town officials have repeatedly stated that the tax alone will not fully fund ambulance operations. The existing Hennessey ambulance sales tax is expected to remain in place and continue contributing toward the cost of service.
Supporters argued that the measure was necessary to ensure long-term ambulance coverage after the community learned the actual cost of providing modern EMS service. Hennessey currently contracts with Mercy Regional EMS for local ambulance coverage.
The district will be governed by a separate 522 Ambulance District Board appointed by the Kingfisher County Commissioners. The board will be responsible for overseeing district funds and making decisions regarding ambulance service contracts.
What Happens Now?
The election result does not automatically place an ambulance service under contract. The newly formed 522 board must first be established and begin operating.
Once organized, the board is expected to seek bids from ambulance providers and review service options before awarding a contract. Officials have said the goal is to secure the highest level of service possible within the available budget.
Town leaders have indicated that the new tax revenue, combined with the existing sales tax, will provide a more stable funding model for maintaining a full-time ambulance service capable of handling advanced emergency medical calls.
The timeline for implementation will depend on the formation of the board, collection of tax revenue, and completion of the contracting process.
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