Fire Chief Scott Collard and Assistant Chief Todd Colvin spoke about Proposition 1 on the Ballot that is now open for early voting.  Proposition 1 reads: "The adoption of a local sales and use tax in Hays County Emergency Services District No. 6 at the rate of one-quarter of one percent."

 

Some interesting facts about Emergency Services District #6:

* They are a political subdivision/taxing entity paid from property tax.

* They are separate (but work together) from ESD #1 which is Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

* All firefighters are also EMS certified

* 2016 saw 233 traffic accident responses on HWY 290; and a total of 2,140 emergency responses with an average 8 minute response time, which is excellent considering the vast territory covered in our area.

* ESD#6 is the 2nd largest in Hays county (behind San Marcos), but covers the largest geographical area

* There are 6 fire stations in our district, 2 are career staffed and 4 are volunteer staffed

* We have 25 Fire Trucks and 90 personnel; of which only 27 are career personnel (paid), the rest are great volunteers

* Volunteers come I and staff 4-5 nights per week

* When responding to a fire outside of the city limits, the fire trucks have to shuttle water

* Federal guidelines require that a 1st alarm structure fire needs 15 people

* They can only bill for services rendered if it is a HAZMAT spill, but there is not really a collection mechanism. They only collect about $20K per year on these types of spill clean-ups.

* $4K is needed for basic gear for 1 single fireman

* The sales tax increase will only apply to areas that are not already at maximum rate allowed by the legislature.  The City of Dripping Springs and the City of Driftwood are already at limit and would not be affected.  The Comptroller projects that the 1/4 of 1% increase in the unincorporated and EJT areas (primarily Hays County ISD) will generate about $160,000 in revenue.

* The City does not pay for ESD#6 services, but does pay when they use the fire department for inspections/code inspections.

 

Our own Rotarian, Robert Avera is President of ESD #6 Board.  If you have questions, you can reach out to Robert or to Chief Collard at scollard@northhaysfire.com