Ambulance levy did not pass

November 4, 2021

Despite receiving a slight majority of votes in favor, Boundary County Clerk Glenda Poston reiterates that the levy increase the Boundary County Ambulance Service District sought in Tuesday's election failed, as the request required a 2/3 super majority to pass.

Idaho Code 31-3908 defines requirements for ambulance service districts within the state, and section (4)(a)(iii) establishes that county commissioners can approve a .04-percent special levy for an advanced life support paramedic unit, which is where the levy was, but an increase to .06-percent, the amount sought, requires approval by a minimum of two thirds of the qualified electors in the district who vote in that election.

On Tuesday, 1,653 of Boundary County's 7,173 registered voters cast ballots, so 1,102 yes votes were needed for approval. Only 850 voted yes.