NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- It is being called the largest tax increase in the county's history.

Floyd County residents will see a 0.5% income tax increase starting Jan. 1. That money is going to public safety, specifically to fund an ambulance service. 

"I ask you to vote no, and if you don't, I will remember that when I pull the lever in a couple weeks," said an unidentified Floyd County resident, who was one of several people in the crowd to address the council.   

County commissioners and councilmembers saw this coming. The demise of New Chapel EMS meant the county was going to be on the hook for ambulance service.  

"We have been left out to dry by too many private providers and I just don't think the people involved have the appetite to continue that," said Council President Danny Short.   

The tax is somewhat of an appetite suppressant for many in the crowd. Ben Craft, a Floyd County resident, pushed the council for answers during a meeting Wednesday.

"We need the facts, we need to know what we are paying for before you levy such a high tax," Craft said. 

Once New chapel EMS left the county, leaders were forced to hire a new ambulance provider. The price tag is $1.5 million per year, significantly more than what they had been paying for New Chapel. Floyd County was being charged $200,000 a year under the contract with New Chapel EMS, which expired June 1.

Ameri-Pro, a private company, now provides service to most of the county, and the company currently has a separate deal with the city of New Albany. Highlander Fire, which has existing ambulance service for the area, picked up the remaining smaller portion of the county.

According to council discussions held over the past few months, this new tax will cover the increase in cost and provide some breathing room for the general fund. 

"I just need all the options laid in front of me, with the financials and the pros and cons that goes with each one of those options, whether that be fire-based, county-based or private," said Denise Konkle, who voted against the tax increase and asked her fellow councilmembers to provide more details.

But Konkle’s statement didn’t sit well with the council president.

"At this point, I don't consider a fair point there has never been a plan put forward. We have talked about what needs to be done. It is up to the council to come up with a plan, it is up to us to keep a watch on those funds," said Short. 

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