§ 4-21-10 — Counties may provide fire protection, ambulance services and medical clinic facilities; special tax, fees, and charges; municipalities may choose not to participate.

The governing body of any county may by ordinance or resolution provide that the county shall provide fire protection services, ambulance services and medical clinic facilities. Services may be provided by use of county employees and equipment or by contract with municipalities or private agencies. Counties may contract with water and sewer authorities to make provision for fire protection services. As used in this act "private agencies" shall include but not be limited to nonprofit corporations organized pursuant to Chapter 35 of Title 33 and financed in whole or in part by the Farmers Home Administration. A special tax, fee or service charge may be levied against property or occupants thereof in areas receiving such services. Proceeds of such taxes, fees or service charges shall be used to defray the cost of providing the particular service for which they are levied, including the fulfillment of contract obligations with municipalities and private agencies. Any municipality may by resolution choose not to participate in any such services or facilities provided such resolution is filed with the county governing body within ninety days after written notice is given the municipal governing body. The written notice shall specify the nature of the services to be rendered and the level of taxes to be levied.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 14-700.231; 1974 (58) 2277; 1975 (59) 318; 1975 (59) 619.