Community to decide future of ambulance service

WEISER, Idaho – Voters in the Weiser Ambulance District will decide the future funding of local ambulance and emergency medical services during the May 19, 2026, election.

 The election asks voters whether to authorize a permanent levy override that would increase the district’s property tax levy to help support ambulance operations and emergency medical care throughout the district.

 Currently, the district collects $29.41 per $100,000 of taxable assessed property value. If voters approve the measure, the levy would increase by $27.97 per $100,000, for a total estimated levy of $57.38 per $100,000 of taxable value. 

The measure would increase the district’s annual base budget from $311,004 to approximately $605,004 to support ambulance services and emergency medical care in the community. 

 District leaders say the election is taking place because the cost of providing ambulance service has increased. The cost of providing ambulance service has increased while revenue has not kept up with costs. The district’s financial reserves have also been depleted, leaving little ability to absorb unexpected costs or rising demand.

 Today, the Weiser Ambulance District generally operates one primary ambulance, and overlapping calls can occur. Advanced Life Support (ALS) services are already stretched, and the district currently has no remaining reserves to help manage unexpected expenses.

 If approved, levy funding would help maintain current ambulance services, including staffing, emergency coverage, ALS capability, training, equipment, vehicles, and medical supplies.

 “We want our community to continue receiving Advanced Life Support care when they need it most,” said Alan Foster, Director of the Weiser Ambulance District. “ALS care means highly trained paramedics, lifesaving medications, and advanced medical treatment on scene and during transport. Maintaining that level of service is critical for our community, and stable funding helps ensure those capabilities remain here in the Weiser district.”

 If approved, the levy would provide stable funding to help the district maintain current service levels and plan for the future.

 If the measure is not approved, the district would continue operating under current funding levels without reserves, increasing the risk of service reductions, limited coverage, or longer response times, with Advanced Life Support services most at risk.

 Community members can learn more about ambulance services and the upcoming election at:

www.weiserambulancedistrict.org

Election Day: May 19, 2026

Paid for by Weiser Ambulance District