Northern Shelby County Ambulance District Weighs Anna Rescue and Spirit EMS Proposals Ahead of Levy Vote

The Northern Shelby County Joint Ambulance District is moving toward selecting an emergency medical service provider as voters prepare to decide a five-year tax levy in November.

The district includes the villages of Anna, Botkins and Jackson Center, along with Dinsmore, Franklin and Jackson townships. It was created to establish a centralized source of ambulance and emergency medical services for northern Shelby County.

According to information published by the Village of Botkins, the district received service proposals from the Anna Rescue Squad and Spirit EMS. Following interviews with both applicants, the district’s schedule lists September 17 as the anticipated date for awarding the contract. Service under the new agreement is expected to begin January 1, 2027.

The provider decision is separate from the public vote scheduled for November 3.

Voters within the district will consider a five-year, 2.7-mill property-tax levy to fund ambulance and emergency medical services. The Shelby County Auditor estimates the levy would generate approximately $971,080 annually.

The levy would cost property owners about $95 annually for each $100,000 of the auditor’s market value. If approved, collections would begin in 2027. A majority vote is required for passage.

Anna Fire Department and Anna Rescue Squad are separate organizations. The fire department provides fire protection, rescue operations and emergency medical first-response support, while the Anna Rescue Squad is one of the two organizations seeking the district’s ambulance-service contract.

The district’s provider selection will be made by its governing board. Voters will decide whether to approve the funding levy.