POPE COUNTY, Ill. (WJPF) — The company that has operated ambulances in Pope County for nearly 40 years stopped operating Sunday.

The loss of service is due to a fight over tax money between the Pope County Volunteer Ambulance Service and the Pope County Board of Commissioners.

The Ambulance Service is budgeted to receive a little more than $100,000 each year. They claim the county is withholding its share of tax money. County leaders say they advanced money to the service in July to keep the ambulances running.

Until an agreement can be reached, or a new agreement with a new company can be made, Hardin County EMS is covering Pope County calls.