WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS HEAR PRESENTATION ON EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT FOR CHAPPELL HILL, MEYERSVILLE VFDs

  

Washington County Commissioners received information today (Tuesday) about the possibility of a new Emergency Services District (ESD) to help fund fire protection services on the east end of the county.

The ESD would support the Chappell Hill and Meyersville Volunteer Fire Departments, whose presentation cited rising call volume and ever-increasing costs to provide services as the main reasons for the proposal. 

The two fire departments would receive funding via the levying of an ad valorem tax of no more than 10 cents per $100 valuation on residents living within the boundaries of either department’s service territory, excluding the City of Brenham’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. 

Whether the ESD is implemented would be determined on the outcome of an election, which itself would need to be called by commissioners.  The timeframe to start a petition to have an election called begins in January.   

Dustin Brown, Chappell Hill VFD captain and ESD committee chair, said the stable funding that would come from an ESD would be invaluable to helping the departments meet current fire safety standards and recruit and retain department members.

ESDs are governed by a five-member board that is appointed by the county and whose members serve staggered two-year terms.

Based on the approximate property value within the two department’s territories of $778 million and a tax rate of 10 cents per $100, the estimated revenue collected – without considering property exemptions – would come out to $778,355 annually.  Sales and use tax revenue could also be an option, although no figures were presented at the meeting. 

Yearly funding, which would be subject to change based on fluctuating property valuations, would be used to replace outdated vehicles and equipment, purchase new gear, and hire paid personnel to staff the stations during the day when volunteer levels are low.  In the Chappell Hill VFD’s case, it could also go toward the building of another fire station. 

Of note is that should the departments be successful in starting an ESD, they would no longer be included in the pool of other VFDs that receive funding from the county.  In addition, the ESD funding would strictly be for the fire departments, so if the ESD is approved, the Chappell Hill VFD’s partnership with Washington County EMS, who has a location there to aid in public safety response, would need to be discussed further.

Commissioners encouraged the two departments to be as specific as possible in their budgeting for future plans and how this funding will help them achieve their goals, in order to ensure that this method is sustainable and to be transparent with the public. 

Brown said there are plans to hold a series of town hall meetings for the public to learn more and ask questions.  He also invited anyone wanting to know more to email wacounty.esdone.questions@gmail.com. 

Click here to view the presentation given at Tuesday's meeting. (Note: Figures regarding budgetary costs, taxation, revenues and exemptions are estimates and are subject to change.)