CHAPPELL HILL/MEYERSVILLE VOTERS REJECT ESD PROPOSAL

  

Voters in Washington County have rejected a proposition to create the county’s first emergency services district (ESD).

The measure to create an ESD for the Chappell Hill and Meyersville Volunteer Fire Departments failed with 804 votes against and 189 in favor. 

The ESD was proposed to replace the fire departments’ memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the county and become their primary funding source by levying an ad valorem tax of up to $0.10 per $100 valuation.  The tax would have been paid by residents living within the service territories of the Chappell Hill and Meyersville Volunteer Fire Departments, not including people who live in the City of Brenham’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Supporters of the ESD said the extra funding was necessary to support the fire departments as they deal with rising call volume amid an increase in the area’s population.  Opponents were critical of imposing a new tax and creating a new government entity separate from the county, saying it could lead to redundant administrative services and potential opportunities for wasteful spending.

In a statement Sunday on social media, the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department said the outcome “deeply saddens” the department, but it appreciates all those who backed the measure.  It said its focus now shifts to engaging with the community members who did not support it, adding, “We need to ensure our voices are heard by the commissioners, advocating for full funding and support for our fire department.”

Fire officials said their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community remains their top priority. 

Of the unofficial total of 993 votes cast in the election, 598 came during early voting and 395 were on Election Day.  According to registered voter totals from before early voting, there were 3,454 people eligible to vote in the ESD election.