Grayson County officials discuss significant budget increases for EMS and fire services

Grayson County officials are grappling with significant budget requests as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year. During the final budget work session on May 29, 2025, discussions highlighted a stark increase in funding requests from local emergency services, raising concerns about equity and resource allocation across the county.

One of the most pressing issues is the request from Gaylord's Trace EMS, which is seeking $423,575 for fiscal year 2026—an 82% increase since fiscal year 2023. This request comes amid a backdrop of no corresponding increase in direct funding for Grayson County's other rescue squads. Similarly, Gaylock's fire department has requested $36,720, marking a 53% increase from the previous year, again without additional funding for other fire departments in the county. This disparity has raised questions among officials about the fairness of funding allocations, particularly for smaller areas compared to larger ones.

In addition to emergency services, the meeting also addressed the staffing challenges faced by the Grayson County Sheriff's Office. The department is currently down one deputy due to medical leave, leaving only 11 deputies to cover 450 square miles. Sheriff officials emphasized the need for two additional patrol positions to ensure officer safety and adequate response times, especially given the county's growing population and visitor influx. They requested a $150,000 increase to their budget to support these hires, arguing that the current staffing levels are insufficient for the demands of the community.

The school budget was another focal point of the meeting, with officials discussing the need for funding to address pressing issues such as school safety and transportation. There is a push for additional funding for weapon detection systems and the replacement of aging school buses, with estimates indicating that up to five buses may need to be replaced soon. School representatives also advocated for renovations at Independence Elementary School, highlighting the urgency of addressing deteriorating conditions.

As the county prepares to finalize its budget, officials are weighing these requests against the backdrop of rising costs, including a 1.5% bonus for county employees and a 3% salary increase, which together will add nearly $450,000 to the budget. The required local effort for the school system has also increased by $327,000, totaling a significant $922,000 in additional expenses.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the challenges Grayson County faces in balancing the needs of its emergency services, law enforcement, and educational institutions while ensuring equitable funding across all areas. As the county moves toward a vote on the budget, residents will be watching closely to see how these critical issues are addressed.