Resident urges Collin County to act on emergency service districts amid Farmersville dispute

Richard Hill spoke during the public‑comment period to urge county action on emergency service coverage in areas where cities might withdraw fire protection agreements. Hill said he had met with county staff and local fire officials and warned of a potential ‘‘catastrophe’’ if Farmersville and other cities stopped agreements that supply fire and emergency services.

Hill said options include creating one or more emergency service districts (ESDs) or a county assistance district, and he said he would prefer to pay a small additional property tax (he referenced “even up to 10¢ per 100”) rather than face increased insurance costs or gaps in protection. Hill also described political friction in Farmersville and urged the county to consider conditioning grants on cooperation if city leadership resists ESD formation.

Hill asked county officials for guidance on ESD formation and said he had recently posted a letter he said had been kept from the public that led to a large turnout at city hall. He referenced discussions with Farmersville’s fire chief and Mayor‑city relationships as part of his appeal.

The court did not take action in response to the comment during the meeting; the matter remained in the public‑comment record.