Community Notes: Fall marks accomplishments, opportunity to vote

By Phoebe Pittman, Councilor, Charles City Council

As the leaves change color and fall from the trees, we mark the arrival of autumn and the approach of Halloween.

While the changing seasons bring beauty and excitement, it’s also important to remember the importance of safety as we celebrate Halloween. I urge all residents to prioritize caution and watchfulness to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone.

On a positive note, I am delighted to announce the successful (near) completion of the Main Street paving project.

The newly paved road will not only enhance the visual appeal of our city but also provide smoother and safer driving conditions for residents and visitors alike.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the local business owners and residents who demonstrated patience and understanding during the construction phase.

Our business owners handled the construction disruptions with grace and shoppers did what they could to show continued support for their favorite local businesses.

As we look ahead to November, I would like to remind all citizens of the importance of exercising their right to vote.

This election holds significant consequences, among them is the EMS levy, which aims to provide a dedicated funding source for our county’s essential emergency medical services.

AMR is currently funded by operating income and a $427,450 per year subsidy received from Floyd County and the city of Charles City, with contributions from Floyd County Medical Center.

The cost of providing services has risen more than income generated by AMR. To ensure the continued availability of timely and reliable ambulance services, it is imperative that we establish a sustainable funding mechanism.

I urge all eligible voters to educate themselves about the EMS levy and make an informed decision at the polls. (You can visit https://bit.ly/FloydEMSFAQ to learn more.) Your vote will directly impact the future of emergency medical care in our community.

As we navigate the fall season, let us embrace the spirit of cooperation and community.

No matter what the results on election day, we are still members of a shared community and it’s important to remember that together, we can build a stronger and more vibrant Charles City.