San Juan Island has voted yes for the referendum for a new levy of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value in support of San Juan Island Emergency Medical Service. The levy looks like it will pass according to the Aug. 2 vote tabulation, in the primary election with 1,846 votes, which is a 77.24 percent lead. The next vote count will be Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. Since islanders reached the necessary 60 percent threshold in the primary there will be no need to re-visit the issue in the general election on Nov. 8. The levy will allow EMS to maintain free emergency medical transportation to all island residents.

“Thank heavens for saving EMS,” said Rebecca Smith of the Vote Yes on EMS campaign.

EMS Chief Jerry Martin shared in the excitement.

“We are ecstatic. The community, also showed their support [for the levy],” Martin said. “The numbers show that, and it’s very rewarding to see.”

Martin explained that the last 35 cent levy would have expired in December, and EMS as it exists now would have disappeared. However, since voters passed the new 50 cent levy San Juan Island EMS will be able to continue to provide essential services including, advanced life support, basic life support and injury prevention.

“The community has invested in us and a safer community, So, what we are going to do is continue to be fiscally responsible in providing emergency services,” Martin said. “With the community voting overwhelmingly with 77.24 percent [in support of the levy], we don’t take that support lightly.”

Critics of the levy have voiced concerns about EMS employee salaries, including the four full-time paramedics, who earn about $92,000 per year, and the chief, who earns $120,000. In response to suggestions to wage cuts, Martin told the Journal in May that he plans to focus on providing the best patient care possible.

After the passing of the levy, the chief told the Journal that he sees the the citizens of the island as partners of EMS.

“I would like to thank voters for partnering with us to save EMS,” Martin said.