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.

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.

“Resolution passes,” board chair Armstrong announced after the roll call 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.

“Last year, EMS in Guthrie County went to a vote, and it did not pass. I don’t say it failed. It just didn’t pass,” Armstrong said. “So now, we’re going to take up t

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