Grayson County Emergency Commission criticizes funding disparity to fire and rescue agencies

In a recent meeting held on May 29, 2025, the Grayson County Board of Supervisors addressed critical concerns regarding the emergency operations budget, particularly the funding disparities among local fire and rescue agencies. Representatives from the Grayson County Emergency Commission voiced their dissatisfaction with the current funding model, which they argue does not equitably support all agencies.

The Emergency Services Commission, which includes representatives from each fire and rescue agency in Grayson County, highlighted that the existing funding structure relies on a reimbursement model based on the number of emergency calls answered by each agency. This model was implemented in fiscal year 2023 in response to previous concerns about unequal funding distribution. However, the commission noted that while funding for Daylight Fire and Daylight Trace EMS has significantly increased, the overall reimbursement for other agencies has remained stagnant.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the funding for Daylight Trace and EMS was set at $150,000 for fiscal year 2023, raising questions about the fairness of resource allocation across the county's emergency services. The commission's representatives expressed a unified stance, urging the Board of Supervisors to reconsider the current funding approach to ensure that all fire and rescue agencies receive adequate support.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in Grayson County, particularly in terms of equitable funding. As the board considers these concerns, the implications for community safety and emergency response capabilities remain significant. The Emergency Services Commission's call for a review of the funding model may lead to changes that could enhance the operational effectiveness of all fire and rescue agencies in the region.