The committee for the creation of a Stone County Ambulance District wishes to remind voters of the importance of voting “Yes” for such a district on April 2.
Mercy and Cox Health Systems have provided ambulance service in Stone County since 1985; however, both announced in late 2023 that they cannot maintain the services due to financial loss. Reimbursements from insurance companies and government sources such as Medicare/Medicaid have not kept up with the increasing costs and increasing regulatory burdens. This means local communities must find ways to offset costs or provide services.
Increased healthcare costs can be attributed partially to the increase in technology, which improves patient outcomes but raises costs. New equipment required to meet regulations and standards of care are expensive, and personnel costs for training and salaries have also risen.
A petition drive was completed in order to place the question of creating an ambulance district on the April ballot, with the percentage of signatures received indicating strong awareness of the need. The creation of such a district would place authority under an unpaid Board of Directors, similar to the 911Service Board or the Health Department Board. Initial directors would be appointees, with staggered terms to be refilled by election upon expiration.
Creation of the district and board will be a step toward deciding among several options, including but not limited to the following:
· A Stone County EMA service with a director and employees funded by a tax levy and reimbursement from individuals and insurances, similar to the model used in Taney County
· Contracting with Mercy, Cox, or both, with subsidy given to defray losses
· Contracting with another existing agency for management and personnel
To fund the district, the ballot proposal is for a ½ of 1% increase in the current sales tax, or 50 cents on a $100 purchase. No increase in property taxes is proposed, meaning property owners would not pay disproportionately for EMS services needed by tourists.
For convenience of Stone County voters, here is a list of the precinct voting locations:
Alpine : VFW Post #2203 – 24204 State Hwy. 39, Shell Knob 65747
Cass: Jamesville Baptist Church- 213 Riverview Rd., Clever 65631
Flat Creek A/B: Cape Fair Community Building- 8627 W. State Hwy. 76 Cape Fair 65624 (POB)
Grant: Morning Star Baptist Church- 69 Butterfield Trail Rd., Marionville 65705
Hurley: Hurley City Hall- 202 S Walnut, Hurley 65675
Lincoln: K-RAC Building- 3665 State Hwy. 413, Crane 65633
Pierce: Christian Church Community Center- 104 E Edgewood, Crane 65633
Pine A: Blue Eye Lions Club Community building- 138 State Hwy. EE, Blue Eye 65611
Pine B: South Road and Bridge Shop- 203 County Shop Rd., Lampe 65681
Ruth A: Reeds Spring High School Band Room- 20277 State Hwy. 413, Reeds Spring 65737
Ruth B City: Kimberling Area Library- 45 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City 65686
Ruth B Rural: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church- 30 James River Rd., Kimberling City 65686
Ruth C: Ignite Church- 19585 State Hwy. 413, Branson West 65737
Ruth C Rural/Sunset Cove: Indian Point Municipal Center- 957 Indian Point Rd., Branson 65616
Union: Union City Community Church- 3886 State Hwy. K, Billings 65610
Washington: Stone County Library/Galena- 322 State Hwy. 248, Galena 65656
Williams: Shell Knob Shrine Club- 28149 Big Rock Rd., Shell Knob 65747
For additional information or further questions, email Stevecampbell042@gmail.com or flyingprotector@gmail.com.
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