San Juan County voters will decide on a 1% sales tax for ambulance and EMS service

San Juan County voters will decide on Proposition 7, a 1% sales tax to fund emergency medical and ambulance services, FOX 13 reported. If voters approve it, the tax would take effect in 2027. ^[1]

The tax is estimated to raise just over $1 million a year and would require voters to decide every 10 years whether to renew it, according to FOX 13. Non-prepared food such as groceries, fuel and prescription medications would be exempt. County leaders believe tourists would pay most of it through hotel stays, restaurant meals and other purchases. Commissioner Lori Maughan said at a public hearing the money would go toward funding, operation, maintenance and equipment for emergency medical and ambulance services. ^[1]

County EMS Director Jeremy Hoggard said San Juan County, Utah's largest by area at roughly 7,800 square miles, stretches resources thin, with calls rising from Monticello to Mexican Hat. The county has struggled to keep first responders, who are mostly volunteers, he said, and needs full-time staff and replacement equipment. Last week, flash flooding stranded dozens of Moab 240 trail race runners for up to 12 hours, and Hoggard said crews evacuated 70 to 100 people. ^[1]

No one spoke for or against the measure at a special hearing in Monticello, FOX 13 reported. In interviews there, Zeke Dalton said he opposed it, saying government does not need a tax increase, while Marti Brewer said a small tax may be needed to meet the area's EMS needs. A similar tax is on the ballot in Washington County. ^[1]