The Russell County EMS Board has approved a recommended tax rate for the coming year following its regular monthly meeting Tuesday morning.
EMS Director Charles Shepherd recommended the board adopt what is known as the “compensating rate” for the EMS tax. Under the proposal, the rate on real property would be 6.4 percent, projected to generate about $867,000. The rate on tangible property, including vehicles and boats, would be 9.2 percent, projected to generate about $184,000.
The board unanimously approved the compensating rate and will forward its recommendation to the Russell County Fiscal Court for final approval.
Following the tax discussion, the board entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter. After about an hour behind closed doors, Shepherd was asked to join board members in the session. About 20 minutes later, the board returned to open session, with Chairman Jeremy Coffey announcing that no action had been taken.
Also during the meeting, an employee asked whether future EMS Board meetings could be streamed online, either live or recorded for later viewing. Board members discussed the idea, but no decision was made.
Tuesday’s meeting adjourned after lasting just over an hour and a half.