The Howard County Ambulance District finalized the purchase of three lots at 205 South Williams Street in Fayette, about a block from the current base at the Keller Building, with plans to expand.

The district also announced it will seek voter approval of a 1% countywide sales tax in the April 7, 2026, election. If approved, it will eliminate half of the current property taxes the district receives.

The deal to purchase the property was finalized on November 21 for $153,920. The district calls it a “key step” in a long-term plan to expand EMS operations and strengthen emergency response capabilities throughout the county. The district secured a loan to complete the purchase. The property’s proximity to the current ambulance base enables the district to operate across both locations, providing the space necessary for future growth and modernization.

The expansion has been part of the district’s strategic vision. The current facility, built decades ago, no longer meets the operational needs of a modern EMS service. The district contends that the building lacks adequate storage for medical supplies and equipment, cannot accommodate all emergency vehicles, and does not provide proper sleeping quarters or living accommodations for four on-duty in-house crew members. Having two two-person, on-duty, in-house crews is essential moving forward to maintain adequate response times and care in our county, it said.

In addition, the current space limits the district’s ability to provide training, hold meetings, and support expanding administrative needs.

“These limitations hinder our ability to staff appropriately and put timely emergency response at real risk,” said Director Frank Flaspohler. “To provide the level of service our community deserves, we must have the space and infrastructure to house multiple crews and the equipment they rely on. This property gives us the ability to grow responsibly and prepare for the future.”

The newly-acquired property provides space to expand the current footprint of the ambulance base, capacity for future construction of additional sleeping quarters, room for a dedicated training facility, extra space for vehicle housing, increased storage for medical supplies and equipment, and long-term operational use of both the current and newly acquired locations.

While expansion plans have not been finalized, design work will move forward in phases as operational needs are assessed and funding is evaluated.

“This is a forward-thinking investment in the safety and well-being of Howard County residents,” Flaspohler continued. “Expanding our facility is essential to having the four-member in-house crew needed to reduce response times and ensure our EMS team is equipped to meet the increasing demands of emergency care.”

The 1% sales tax ballot initiative includes a mandatory 50% rollback of the district’s property tax. If approved, the measure would shift part of the district’s funding from property taxes to a broader sales tax model already used by many Missouri ambulance districts.

The district reports that sustainable funding is necessary to maintain two fully staffed, in-house crews operating 24/7, move both crews toward Advanced Life Support capability, replace aging equipment, and address facility limitations. Additional information will be shared through public meetings and published materials in the coming months.