Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 2 (FBESD2): A Vital Community Lifeline Faces Crucial Funding Vote
Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 2 (FBESD2) - your fire department - has been a vital presence in the community since its inception in 2002. Initially formed to address the growing emergency service needs of the area, FBESD2 has continuously adapted to meet the evolving challenges of serving the community. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the district faced a significant test, prompting a drive to enhance staffing and resources.
Today, with 30 full-time and 60 part-time personnel, FBESD2 is a cornerstone of safety, providing round-the-clock coverage to the residents spanning over 18.63 square miles of Fort Bend County. However, rising costs and increased demands have led to a crucial proposition—Proposition A—a local sales tax aimed at securing the resources necessary to sustain and enhance emergency services. Let's delve into the details of this proposition and its potential impact on our community.
ABOUT FBESD2
Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 2 (FBESD2) spans 18.63 square miles across the Northwestern side of Fort Bend County. The district was formed in 2002 to serve the growing areas of the Cinco Ranch Communities and started providing emergency services on January 1, 2003. In 2016 the district hired its first full time firefighters to fill the positions of three (3) Battalion Chiefs.
When Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Houston area in 2017, over half of their part time firefighters were called back to their full-time jobs, leaving Willowfork Fire Department overwhelmed and understaffed. Their 3 full time employees worked 7 days straight along with a few part time firefighters and volunteers and responded to over 140 emergencies.
Since Harvey, Fort Bend County ESD No. 2 has strived to increase full-time staffing as their budget allowed, and today employs 30 full-time and 60 part-time personnel providing 24-hour daily coverage. This staffing level allows the department to operate with sixteen (16) scheduled firefighters per day.
RISING COSTS
Firefighting equipment has seen over a 60% cost increase over the past 10 years. A firefighter’s uniform known as bunker gear costs an average of $4,000 per firefighter. The average cost of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which provides firefighters the greatest amount of airway protection from toxic gases and smoke is $5,000.
The average price in the surrounding areas for a ladder truck is $2.1 million. The additional equipment needed for the ladder truck is an average of $300,000 for a total of $2.4 million. The average fire engine (pumper) costs 1.2 million.
PROPOSITION A
The adoption of a local sales and use tax in Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 2 at a rate not to exceed two percent (2%) in any location in the district.
NEEDS
Prior to calling for the election, the Board created a six (6) person task force comprised of two (2) Board members, two (2) firefighters and two (2) citizens to evaluate the needs of the District. Their conclusion consisted of three (3) topics. Hiring additional staffing at a cost of $1.5 million each year. Reducing cancer causing chemicals on bunker gear with an initial cost estimated at $550,000 with recurring maintenance costs of $40,000 annually. Transitioning from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS) with an estimated cost of $265,000 in equipment.
WHY IS THE DISTRICT CALLING FOR A SALES TAX ELECTION
FBESD2 is funded solely by property taxes and donations. With the growth of the community and increasing safety protocols, property taxes alone are not able to cover costs associated with a full-time fire department. If passed, a sales tax can help fund the department. By levying a sales and use tax, the District would be able to shift a portion of the funding for emergency services from property owners to anyone buying taxable goods and services in the district.
(Click to visit www.WillowForkFire.com)
WILL THIS EFFECT MY PROPERTY TAXES?
NO. A sales tax election does not affect property taxes. If the sales tax proposition passes, the collection of sales tax will be collected from anyone buying taxable goods and services in the District. Many businesses already charge the full 8.25% sales tax, instead of this extra 2% going to the State, it could be used for YOUR local emergency services.
WILL THIS RAISE SALES TAX ABOVE 8.25%?
NO. Sales tax is capped at 8.25%. There are several areas inside Fort Bend ESD2 boundaries that are already taxed at 8.25% like La Centerra. This proposition does not affect those areas and the ESD would not receive revenue from those areas.
HOW WILL THE SALES TAXES BE USED?
A study was conducted of the potential sales tax revenue for the district based on sales in 2023. The study estimated $1.5 million in potential revenue. If the sales tax proposition passes, funding from that revenue will be used for additional firefighters, fire equipment, reducing cancer risks for firefighters, and transitioning to providing residents with Advanced Life Support (ALS).
To learn more about FBESD2, visit willowforkfire.com and follow facebook.com/fbesd2 for updates on social media.
Source: FBESD2
