Residents urge county support for rural fire protection as ESD petition looms; county to discuss next week

Two residents urged Collin County commissioners to consider additional support for rural fire protection and to review alternatives to forming or expanding an Emergency Services District (ESD).

Kevin Rohrer, who said he lives in unincorporated Farmersville, described a gap in fire protection for unincorporated areas and asked the county to consider funding or other solutions instead of creating ESDs that levy property taxes. Rohrer said Farmersville covers about 75 square miles and asked the county to consider distributing funds to support local departments rather than letting ESD taxation shift costs to homeowners; he noted that a $0.10-per-$100 valuation tax on a $600,000 home would amount to roughly $600 in his example.

Dan Schmoll, who described living near Branch/Princeton, said volunteer coverage had been reduced as municipal departments expanded into previously unincorporated areas and urged the county to seek efficient alternatives, such as programs for fire-prevention equipment or discounted extinguisher refills, and to look for funding sources.

Judge (presiding) told speakers that the ESD topic was not on the current meeting’s agenda for policy debate but said the county would place the ESD petition on next week’s agenda so commissioners can have a full discussion of statutory requirements and options. Commissioners did not take action at today’s meeting; the comments were received for consideration and the county indicated it will treat the matter as a forthcoming agenda item.