Wayne County Commission seeks temporary EMS solution until levy takes effect

WAYNE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The Wayne County Commission says a newly passed levy will help emergency response in the county, but they’re working on a plan to help until that levy takes effect next year.

The Wayne County Public Service Levy, designed to help improve emergency services, passed in the Primary Election in May by just one vote. Initially, it appeared the levy would fail , with just 59.9% of the needed 60% vote. However, once all mail-in ballots were accounted for and after canvassing, the levy pulled through by one vote.

The Wayne County Commission took to social media this Sunday to thank those who voted in support of the levy.

“No matter how you voted, your political affiliation or your community, the passage of this levy will benefit each person in the county at a very reasonable cost,” said the Wayne County Commission. “According to the commission, the average property owner will pay less than $100 per year for this improved service.”

They say one goal of the levy is to create a 24/7 county-run EMS system to alleviate the county’s slow ambulance response times. Residents in the area have told 13 News the problem with response times gives them a helpless feeling after multiple instances where families have called 911 only to be told an ambulance isn’t readily available.

Commissioners say the levy will begin providing funding for EMS and other services in July 2025. The commission also says they are working to implement a temporary strategy to improve emergency response times until the levy takes effect.

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