Red Lodge - Roberts Ambulance District Mill Levy Information
Ballot are Due a t the County Election Office by the end of the day on Sept 12 by 8pm
HIGHLIGHTS
-
The current $69.00 fee has not changed since the district was formed in 2010
-
With inflation the fee would need to be $100.00 to have the same purchasing power
-
With the flat fee every property pays the same $69.00 fee whether it is a small one bedroom home or a large commercial property like the Pollard hotel or Red Lodge Mountain.
-
The cost of 22 mils on a home valued at $200,000 would be approximately $59.70; on a home valued at $300,000 it would be approximately $89.55
-
Changing to a tax of 22 mils will provide the necessary additional funding the district needs, while not significantly increasing the amount paid by the majority of households.
-
Currently we provide very good EMS services
-
The change is needed in order to continue to provide the current level of service.
More Information
The Red Lodge-Roberts Ambulance District is asking voters to approve a change in the way the district is funded.
The district, which provides service through Red Lodge Fire Rescue, was formed in 2010 to provide both emergency and non-emergency ambulance transport and emergency medical services to Red Lodge, Roberts, Bearcreek and the surrounding area. The district has been funded by a fee of $69.00 per year on residential buildings and commercial properties.
​
The fee was set back in 2010 and has not changed since the district was formed. “At the time we formed the district we were struggling to provide critically needed emergency medical response to our communities.” Said Fire Chief Tom Kuntz, “We have come a long way since we formed the district and as I think everyone knows we now provide incredible service to our community. Unfortunately, with the cost of inflation, the $69.00 fee is no longer sufficient to provide the service our community expects.”
​
The Red Lodge-Roberts Ambulance District is seeking to repeal the $69.00 fee and replace it with a tax of 22 mills. This change will provide the necessary additional funding the district needs, while not significantly increasing the amount paid by the majority of households. The cost of 22 mils on a home valued at $200,000 would be approximately $59.70. Agricultural land greater than 10 acres will be exempt from the tax. The change would not take effect until 2024.
​
The ambulance district contracts with Red Lodge Fire Rescue to provide Emergency Medical Services. Red Lodge Fire Rescue is a combination department composed of more than 100 volunteers and 10 paid personnel who provide 24/7 critical care medical services. In 2022 RLFR members responded to over 700 calls for service.
​
Ballots for the election were mailed on Friday the 25th to voters in the district and are due to the County election office by September 12th by 8pm.
If you have questions:
Contact Assistant Chief of EMS Torsten Prahl
406.570.9769