HAMSHIRE, Texas — Voters have approved Jefferson County ESD No. 5, Proposition A, which would turn the Hamshire Volunteer Department into an emergency services district.
78% of Jefferson County voters were for the proposition. 22% of voters were against the proposition.
Benckenstein & Oxford Attorney Joshua Heinz, who drafted the proposition, previously told 12News Hamshire volunteer firefighters have been getting by through generous fundraisers, but the funding isn't keeping up with upkeep of the department and they need more support.
"Hamshire is a good department it's always been a self-sustained forever. It's the only area in Jefferson County right now that's not covered by an emergency services district or a municipal fire service," Heinz previously told 12News.
An emergency services district is responsible for providing fire and emergency services.
"They can then contract those services out and say Hamshire Volunteer Fire department we're going to contract with you to provide fire and EMS services within our district and in exchange, for you, agreed to provide this service we're gonna fund you," Heinz said.
This designation will for the agency to be supported by tax dollars. Then, the Jefferson County Commissioners Court would appoint an ESD board of commissions, who would manage the money.
"Equipment is second hand or third hand. We try to do our best to keep it up and running the best that we can do," Volunteer Firefighter Mike Pierson said.
Hamshire volunteer firefighters have had to have BBQ fundraisers to buy gear.
"Two big fundraisers. One in April and one coming up on November the 12th," Pierson said.
But, that money only stretches so far.
"Community comes out and supports best that we can. It helps out but it cost, everything's going up," Pierson said.
The money will come from Hamshire residents' property taxes.
"Hamshire is one of those volunteer fire departments that actually have an EMS service. One of the few that does at that and so, and so that just increases their financial burden," Heinz said.
This would only cost 10 cents per dollar. If your home is worth $100,000, it will cost you $100 a year to support Jefferson County ESD 5.
Heinz says you'd be paying for higher quality equipment leading to better services during emergencies.
Hamshire residents will see the new tax in 2024.