Kendall County commissioners on June 12 debated a plan some members support to fund additional full‑time firefighters in Bergham and Comfort as part of a multi‑phase staffing approach.

Commissioner proponents described proposals that would add several full‑time firefighter positions over two budget cycles, moving from current coverage levels toward continuous staffed stations. Estimates discussed during the workshop showed that paying four full‑time firefighter equivalents (including salary and benefits) would raise personnel costs meaningfully — commissioners discussed figures in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per precinct when benefits and overhead are included.

Commission discussion focused on two issues: cost and legal authority. County legal advisers said Texas law authorizes counties to contract for fire protection with volunteer departments and other entities, but that statutes do not explicitly direct counties to hire firefighters as county employees; several commissioners asked for a written legal memorandum about whether a county may directly employ firefighters for municipal‑type 24/7 EMS/fire coverage. Corinna, the county auditor, said she had asked general counsel to provide existing Attorney General opinions and a memo.

Proponents argued the pilot would reduce response times and improve public safety in areas now served primarily by volunteers; opponents urged a cautious approach, asking for specific metrics to judge effectiveness before committing ongoing recurring funds. Commissioners also discussed alternative approaches, such as continuing to support volunteer departments, paying overtime or placing funds toward station improvements.

Ending: The court asked staff and legal counsel to prepare a written analysis of legal authority and to return with detailed cost figures and proposed metrics for a pilot program before the court considers a funding decision.