Newton County approves 2025 audits and 2026 budgets for two Emergency Services Districts

The Newton County Commissioners Court on Feb. 10 accepted the 2025 audits and approved the 2026 budgets for Emergency Services District No. 1 and No. 2.

Mark McCall, presenting for ESD No. 1, summarized the district’s finances and apparatus status, saying the highest balance in any account had been “236,000” and that the end balance on all accounts was about “44,918.” He told commissioners the district still carried debt on a recently purchased apparatus and noted a grant-funded 3,000‑gallon tanker procured with more than $300,000 in outside funding.

Howard West presented for ESD No. 2, describing recent capital work and grant purchases, including a 25,000‑gallon water tank installed at a cost the district reported as $36,000 and grants used for PPE and rescue equipment. West also noted heavy call volume and that crews frequently make runs before ambulances arrive.

Both audits and budgets were approved by motion and voice vote. The court did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript.

Why it matters: The approvals set each district’s fiscal plan for 2026 and authorize continued operations and capital purchases; the districts are financed in part by local tax revenues and grant reimbursements.

What comes next: ESDs will proceed with planned purchases and submit invoices where applicable for grant reimbursement; county staff and district representatives signaled ongoing coordination on equipment needs and mutual aid arrangements.