HAMSHIRE, Texas — Voters in Hamshire will have the chance to make an important public safety decision on the November ballot.
The Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department is asking voters to approve Jefferson County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 5 Proposition A, which would turn their department into a new ESD.
Benckenstein & Oxford Attorney Joshua Heinz, who drafted the proposition, tells 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 said.
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 would allow for the agency to be supported by tax dollars.
Then, the Jefferson County Commissioners Court would then 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 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 you home is worth $100,000, it will cost you $100 a year to support Jefferson County Emergency Services District #5.
Heinz says you'd be paying for higher quality equipment leading to better services during emergencies.
If Proposition A passes, people in Hamshire would see the new tax in 2024.