WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE MOU WITH LOCAL VFDs
Assistant Chief Tim Hamff listens as
Washington County Commissioners on
Tuesday discuss a memorandum of
understanding with the county's
volunteer fire departments.
Washington County Commissioners today (Tuesday) approved a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and its volunteer fire departments for fire protection services.
The new MOU lays out steps for each department to provide itemized annual operating budget reports so that commissioners can better determine what the departments need as the county begins its budgeting process. It also establishes a pension plan for volunteers.
Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Tim Hamff said this agreement has evolved considerably since it was first implemented and provides greater benefit for all parties involved.
The MOU also takes into account the possibility of the creation of emergency services districts (ESDs), detailing when departments would stop receiving county compensation should an ESD be approved for them. The Chappell Hill and Meyersville Volunteer Fire Departments proposed entering into an ESD back in December.
One aspect of the MOU that received special attention today was the procedures outlining departments’ cooperation with other agencies. On Monday, several Washington County volunteer firefighters responded to provide backup at the Brazos County Precinct 4 fire station, whose volunteers were busy battling a massive fire at the Feather Crest Farms east of Kurten.
Hamff said members of the Rocky Creek, Meyersville, Berlin, Latium and Salem Volunteer Fire Departments provided aid in Brazos County. Meanwhile, through mutual aid, volunteers from other Washington County fire departments came in and covered the ones who were out. He called this “neighbors helping neighbors,” recalling when Washington County received help like this during the Burns Creek Fire in August 2022.
Commissioner Candice Bullock noted that the agreement is a “living document” that could receive further tweaks and revisions if they are needed. She believes the agreement will help “get the ball much farther down the field.”
Commissioner Kirk Hanath said the MOU solidifies the county’s partnership with its volunteer fire departments, adding, “We’re much better together than we are separate.”
In related action, the court approved a participation contract for the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESRS) on behalf of the Washington County Firefighters Association. The item is coupled with the pension plan included in the MOU.
Washington Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Casada said a board consisting of three firefighters, two county citizens and one county representative will oversee the qualifications to receive TESRS benefits and ensure participants meet those requirements.
In other business today, the court:
- Heard and approved the EMS report for the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Approved the purchase of an EMS chassis from Appel Ford for $65,585. EMS Director Kevin Deramus said the price was $1,292 cheaper than the price of $66,878 through the Houston-Galveston Area Council cooperative purchasing program.
- Approved the annual and semi-annual maintenance agreement between the sheriff’s office and Willbanks Contractor Support, LLC for the boiler at the Washington County Jail. It also approved the county’s annual maintenance agreement with Willbanks Contractor Support, LLC for the boiler at the courthouse and courthouse annex.
- Authorized seeking bids for an equipment shed. Bids will be due and opened on Thursday, February 29th at 10 a.m. and accepted on Tuesday, March 12th at 9 a.m.
- Approved an oil and gas development permit for Magnolia Oil and Gas Operating, LLC on FM 1948 in Precinct 3. The permit is for road use.
What I find interesting is this MOU pushes volunteer firefighters to have the same certifications as paid firemen. $26,000 per department is insufficient when firefighters are paid an average of $55,000 annually…..