West Odessa community pushes for improved emergency services amid rising healthcare concerns

The Odessa City Council convened on January 28, 2025, to discuss critical public safety measures and community needs, particularly focusing on emergency services in West Odessa. The meeting highlighted the potential establishment of an Emergency Services District (ESD) aimed at improving response times and funding for local fire and emergency medical services.

The council began by addressing the benefits of the proposed ESD, which could lead to a reduction in the Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for the county. This change is expected to alleviate some tax burdens for residents while providing essential services. The council discussed the possibility of contracting with the ESD for fire services, which would allow the city to receive direct revenue from the ESD through tax collection.

A significant point of discussion was the inclusion of the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) in the ESD, which requires council approval to place on the upcoming May ballot. The council clarified that no decisions regarding the specifics of the contract or funding for volunteer fire departments would be made at this meeting; those decisions would be left to the ESD commissioners once appointed.

Public comments were invited, with several citizens expressing the urgent need for improved emergency services. Katerina Tavares, a nurse at Medical Center Hospital, shared personal experiences highlighting the critical delays in ambulance response times, particularly in cases of strokes and heart attacks. She emphasized the importance of timely medical intervention for better health outcomes.

Tammy Hawkins, representing the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), provided statistics on the student population and transportation challenges faced by children in West Odessa. With over 3,300 students in the area, she noted that many children endure lengthy commutes, often exceeding 45 minutes each way. Hawkins pointed out the frequent accidents involving school buses and the challenges faced by EMS in reaching these incidents promptly due to road conditions.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and consideration of the proposed ESD, emphasizing the need for community input and the importance of enhancing emergency services for the safety and well-being of Odessa residents. The council plans to continue addressing these issues in future meetings, with a focus on finalizing the details for the May ballot.