2025 EMS half-cent sales tax ballot question

McPherson County voters will decide on a proposal to fund county Emergency Medical Services (EMS) through a ½ cent (0.5%) county-wide sales tax. The proposal seeks to lower property taxes by shifting current EMS funding from property taxes to a county-wide sales tax.

The sales tax would begin April 1, 2026, and remain in place for five years. Below is a list of frequently asked questions. 

The proposed EMS sales tax would change how Emergency Medical Services are funded in McPherson County.

If approved, EMS would no longer be funded primarily through property taxes. This would give county officials the opportunity to lower property taxes beginning in 2027.

Instead, EMS funding would come from a dedicated ½ cent (0.5%) county-wide sales tax. This shifts the cost from property owners alone to anyone making taxable purchases in McPherson County, including visitors, broadening the base of support.

You can view the resolution adopted by the McPherson County Commission by clicking here.

Below is a list of common asked questions: 

When is the election, and who can vote?
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) sales tax measure will appear on the ballot in the Tuesday, November 4, 2025, general election. All registered voters who live in McPherson County will be eligible to vote.

Early voting is available at the McPherson County Courthouse, 122 W. Marlin in McPherson, beginning Wednesday, October 15, through Monday, November 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ending at 12:00 p.m. on Nov. 3). Voters can also request mail in ballots through October 27

On Election Day, voters can cast their ballot at their assigned precinct locations from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

What is the proposed EMS sales tax?
The proposal is for a ½ cent (0.5%) county-wide sales tax to fund EMS services across McPherson County. If approved, it would begin April 1, 2026, and remain in place for five years.

Why is this tax being proposed?
The purpose is to provide stable, dedicated funding for EMS services in McPherson County. This would reduce reliance on property taxes and help ensure consistent, county-wide emergency medical services.

How would the funds be distributed?
The proposed ½ cent sales tax is expected to generate about $4 million annually. Funds would be distributed across EMS providers in McPherson County as follows:

• McPherson EMS: 49%
• Lindsborg EMS: 18%
• Moundridge EMS: 15%
• Rural Fire District 1 (Canton): 10%
• Rural Fire District 2 (Marquette): 8%

When would this sales tax take effect, and for how long?
The sales tax would take effect April 1, 2026, and would sunset (end) after five years.

Will this affect property taxes?
If approved, local officials anticipate the new sales tax revenue could allow for a reduction in property tax levies from McPherson County and cities in McPherson County receiving funding, beginning in 2027.

Who pays this sales tax?
Anyone making taxable purchases in McPherson County—including visitors and non-residents—would contribute. This shifts the cost from property owners alone to a broader group of people.

What purchases are impacted by the 0.5% sales tax? 
The 0.5% sales tax is applied to all purchases made within the county, online purchases delivered within the county, and vehicles and other goods that are taxed based on an individual’s place of residence.

What happens if the measure is not approved?
EMS providers would continue to rely on property taxes as their primary source of funding, which may limit the ability to reduce property taxes in the future.

Who do I contact if I have questions?
Residents can bring questions to McPherson County staff or elected officials, or can contact their local City or EMS officials.

What is the ballot question?
Shall the following be adopted?

Shall McPherson County, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (.5%) County-wide retailers' sales tax, the proceeds of which shall be divided between and paid forty-nine percent (49%) to McPherson City, eighteen percent (18%) to Lindsborg

City, fifteen percent (15%) to Moundridge City, ten percent (10%) to Rural Fire District #1 Ambulance and eight percent (8%) to Rural Fire District #2 Ambulance, and used (1) by any recipient to finance the costs of acquiring, constructing, equipping and furnishing

certain alterations, modifications and improvement to their capital equipment and facilities and (2) to support the general operating expenses of any recipient. The collection of the Sales Tax is to commence on April 1, 2026 and to expire five (5) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq., as amended.

• To vote in favor of the 0.5% county sales tax passing, press the word “YES” on the voting machine, or completely darken the oval to the left of the word “YES” on the paper ballot. 

• To vote opposed to the 0.5% county sales tax passing, press the word “NO” on the voting machine, or completely darken the oval to the left of the word “NO” on the paper ballot.