GUTHRIE COUNTY, Iowa — The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday declared emergency medical services an essential service, a step aimed at creating uniform EMS coverage countywide. KCCI reports the vote was 4-1. Supervisors J.D. Kuster, Brian Johnson and Steve Smith joined Supervisor Maggie Armstrong in support. Supervisor Mike Dickson was the lone no vote.

The earliest the question could go to county voters in a special election is March 2026, officials said. Backers expect a different outcome than last year, when a similar measure did not pass.

Maggie Armstrong said she will watch the Iowa Legislature closely, hoping two bills introduced last year resurface — one to make EMS tax-increment financing exempt and another to make EMS essential statewide.