STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission at their meeting this week approved the formation of a rural ambulance tax district to serve the residents currently served by the city of Sturgis Ambulance.
It’s the next step in the process, following the successful election last month approving the tax district.
Voters approved the district after years of contention with the city of Sturgis, who demanded the rural areas find a way to help pay for the ambulance service or lose it.
Residents of Sturgis already pay for the city-owned ambulance through their property taxes.
The city of Sturgis earlier this month approved extending the Sturgis Ambulance Service to the rural areas, with the exception of the town of Buffalo Chip, who is not part of the tax district.
Up next is an election to select a board of directors. That election was set for May, although the COVID-19 situation has postponed it.
Once the board of directors is selected, they will determine how best to go forward with an ambulance service.
