Commissioners discuss proposed ambulance district

While discussing the county clerk's budget for elections, commissioners turned their attention to the grassroots movement to ask voters for a tax-supported countywide ambulance district.

First District Commissioner Larry Bock wondered if the county would have to pay for an election if the group was able to secure enough petition signatures to put it on a ballot.

"Now, I'm sure we have to put it on the ballot, but I'm not sure we have to pay for it," said Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones.

County Clerk Kara Clark said she had not heard directly from any members of the petition-drive organization, Friends of Cape Girardeau County Ambulance District, but had heard about the petition drive through the grapevine.

Jones said he'd been asked to sign a petition, but refused. One week ago, he met with Randy Everett of the Friends of Cape Girardeau County Ambulance District, as well as officials from the city of Cape Girardeau and Jackson, hospital officials, and representatives of Cape County Private Ambulance Service. Jones said he told Everett his group would have to pay for the election, but "they are of the opinion that this is a public thing" and that the county should pay.

Clark later said she'd spoken to officials from Missouri's secretary of state's office after the commissioners' meeting. State officials suggested she get a legal opinion.

Clark said she'll be talking with Morley Swingle in his capacity as the commission's legal adviser to determine who will bear the cost.

She said a special election could cost as much as $25,000 and if there is one in 2009, she would give the commissioners an budget amendment.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127

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Jones asks about ambulance referendum

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