<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2D1zNj_0uyAxvGR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2D1zNj_0uyAxvGR00" width="650" height="488" ><figcaption>The emergency medical services station in Frankfort needs repairs, which is one of the reasons the Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved a ballot item asking voters to approve an increased EMS millage.&nbsp; (File photo/Record Patriot) </figcaption></figure> BEULAH — <a href="https://www.benzieco.gov/government/emergency_medical_services.php" rel="nofollow"> Benzie County Emergency Medical Services </a> is seeking a renewal and increase in its operating millage on Nov. 5. The ballot item, approved by the <a href="https://www.benzieco.gov/government/board_of_commissioners/index.php" rel="nofollow"> Benzie County Board of Commissioners </a> in an Aug. 13 meeting, is asking voters to renew and increase the millage from 0.8 to 0.9 for seven years. The millage, if approved, will cost taxpayers 90 cents per $1,000 of taxable value of their property. County administrator Katie Zeits said the growing demand for service, especially during the summer months, is the reason for the increase. She said the EMS station in Frankfort also need to be addressed, she said. "This will allow the director additional funds to make improvements to station 3 as well as expand services in the near future," reads a memo from Ziets to the commissioners. "The subcommittee also recommends that the duration of the millage be for a period of seven years. This will secure the funding and the services for an&nbsp;extended period of time, which is favorable." County officials have been discussing the condition of Frankfort's EMS station for several years. Station 3 is a converted private residence in Frankfort on Park Avenue, across from Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. <a href="https://www.recordpatriot.com/news/article/Q-A-with-Paul-Oliver-chief-operating-official-on-17117559.php" rel="nofollow"> The building is owned by Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. </a><a href="https://www.recordpatriot.com/news/article/County-to-consider-moving-Frankfort-ambulance-17062365.php" rel="nofollow"> In 2022 there was discussion </a> on&nbsp;whether to move the station to a central location, <a href="https://www.recordpatriot.com/news/article/Q-A-with-Paul-Oliver-chief-operating-official-on-17117559.php" rel="nofollow"> but no changes were made. </a></div></body>

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Benzie County seeks EMS millage renewal, increase

Higher call volume in summer months is increasing costs for Benzie County Emergency Medical Services.