Kendall County Court allocates $1M for EMS services amid Bergheim expansion

The Kendall County Commissioner’s Court meeting on February 11, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding emergency medical services (EMS) and fire protection in the region, particularly in the Bergheim area. The court discussed recent changes to EMS staffing and the establishment of a new substation aimed at improving response times and service coverage.

A significant point of discussion was the transition of a peak crew in Boerne to a full-time, 24/7 operation. This change is expected to enhance EMS availability, especially as the Bergheim crew prepares to relocate to a new building within the next two weeks. The court acknowledged the growing needs of the area and has allocated nearly $1 million to the EMS budget to address these challenges.

Concerns were raised about the service area boundaries for the emergency service district (ESD). Some residents expressed that the current boundaries appeared to favor specific properties, leading to accusations of a "money grab." In response, officials clarified that the boundaries were established based on county GIS data and were not intended to benefit any particular individual or property.

The meeting also touched on wildfire preparedness, with officials emphasizing that Kendall County is not facing the same conditions as California. They highlighted the proactive measures taken, including the formation of a wildfire protection group that has begun mitigation efforts in the area.

Commissioners discussed the need for a comprehensive understanding of the county's overall fire and EMS needs, suggesting that a county-wide fire department could distribute costs more evenly across the population rather than imposing a higher tax rate on specific areas. The idea of integrating paid firefighters with volunteers was also supported, reflecting a desire for a well-trained emergency response team.

The court's discussions underscored the importance of addressing the growing demands for emergency services in Kendall County while ensuring that all residents feel represented and protected. As the county moves forward, the focus will remain on improving response times and service efficiency to meet the community's needs.