ESD supporters get organized

Howard Meyers, shown at the Leon County Commissioners' hearing, was elected president of the "Supporters of ESD 4". Sherry's Shots Having a concern about the loss of ambulance service in this part of Leon County, a group of citizens met on Thursday, March 12. The purpose of this meeting was to organize efforts to insure the proposal of the Emergency Services District passes on May 9.

Charlcie Casey hosted the assembly of more than 50 local residents who call themselves "Supporters of ESD 4". Howard Meyers was elected president; Karen Hankins, secretary; and Charlcie Casey, treasurer. Although the amount collected at the meeting was not disclosed, funds will be used for advertisements and to raise the awareness of voters.

Howard Meyers started the meeting by thanking Casey for her hospitality and introduced Shaine Reeder, Buffalo Fire Department, and David Ferguson, County Commissioner.

When Ferguson address the group he said "Are the people who oppose the ESD going to provide ambulance service? Will they come to your house and pick you up when you need help?"

Shaine Reeder, Buffalo Fire Chief, is a big supporter of the ESD 4. Sherry's Shots Reeder filled the attendees in on the importance of an ESD and clarified how the ESD will be funded. Property owners would be taxed .10 on every $100 property value. He also pointed out that opponents to the ESD are saying that it is a 10% tax increase however 10 cents on $100 property value is a 1% tax. That tax will raise about $545,000 per year and will increase with appraisal adjustments.

In February meetings signs supporting the ESD were distributed to those who would be willing to display them. Shortly after the signs went up Leon County Judge Byron Ryder received an email from Sue Harris advising that the signs were illegal and should have additional information in order to comply with state law.

Most of the signs were immediately retrieved and a strip with the correct wording was created. The strip can be attached with adhesive. Hankins advised that anyone with an incorrect sign should contact a member of the support group and receive a strip which can be attached to the sign. Future signs will be made with the proper wording.

Judge Ryder said Texas State Law requires wording which discloses who paid for the advertisement and advising that it is illegal to place political signs along a highway right-of-way.

ESDs are political subdivisions established by local voters for the purpose of raising money through ad valorem taxes on real property or sales taxes to fund the district. The ad valorem and sales taxes support ESD services,such services,such as emergency rescue and ambulance services. ESDs also protect property from fire through fire services.

The ESD is not an ambulance service but provides the means to pay for such service. If the District is established a five person board will be appointed and that board will determine how the District will best be served. Citizens have been told that it will cost the ESD $25,000 per month to operate an ambulance service. Citizens will still have to pay the prevailing rates for ambulance service. This does not mean the District will own an ambulance and employ emergency personnel, depending upon what the board desires, it might contract Jewett EMS, or Palestine EMS, or any other service who would be willing to serve the area.