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Council backs EMS

Signs off on agreement, which heads to supervisors

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A Fort Dodge Fire Department engine and ambulance were on the scene of a vehicle accident Friday afternoon at Seventh Street and Second Avenue South. The City Council on Monday approved an agreement allowing the use of money from the new countywide EMS levy to pay for buildings, personnel and vehicles.

The Fort Dodge City Council on Monday approved an agreement that would allow the use of money from the new emergency medical services tax to be spent on buildings, personnel and vehicles.

That agreement is expected to be considered by the Webster County Board of Supervisors today.

In March 2025, Webster County voters approved a levy of 75 cents per $1,000 of taxable value to support emergency medical services. It is expected to generate about $1.6 million annually.

The Fort Dodge Fire Department provides paramedic level ambulance service to the city and the northern half of the county. And because it is the only paramedic level ambulance service in the county, it helps other units with the most critically injured and ill patients. As a result, the city is expected to get about $1.2 million a year from the tax.

The council approved an initial agreement for EMS tax money on Feb. 9.

The agreement it approved Monday would cover these items:

• Construction of a new three-bay firehouse on the west side of town expected to house two ambulances and a fire truck.

• Hiring nine more firefighter/paramedics.

• Purchasing ambulances and medical equipment.

There was no council discussion of the agreement.

Councilwoman Jen Crimmins was absent from the otherwise unanimous vote to approve the agreement.

Starting at $4.94/week.

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