VFDs to get taxpayer funding
By Lori Thomason

Bullard Fire Chief Keith Newburn can't say he's not relieved.

After pouring his heart and soul into this project, he's finally lived to see it pay off.

And while it took 10 years, Newburn said that after Tuesday's election it's all worth it.

Smith County voters approved an Emergency Services District to aid firefighter funding across most of Smith County.

The measure passed Tuesday with 8,958 votes for and 6,838 against -- about 57 to 43 percent.

Results were delayed because of computer glitches, but firefighters awaited results patiently into the night.

And while it's been a long road, things began to speed along in August when county commissioners OK'd the measure putting it on the November ballot.

Creation of a district is a doubleedged sword. It would effectively mean a tax increase - anywhere up to about 5 cents per $100 valuation,

Newburn said thee rewards will eventually save taxpayers money.

And what are the rewards? Well, Newburn said, imagine your house is on fire, but because of rising fuel costs and funding shortfalls, the volunteers can't make it to your home.

The district will allow money to be dedicated to many VFDs all over Smith County, so departments wouldn't need to rely on what Smith County and municipalities could help them with each year.

It also means that the volunteers wouldn't have to hold as many fund-raisers - effectively begging residents for donations.

The tax, Newburn said, would be collected at the county level.

Newburn said the funding would help VFDs, purchase new equipment, upgrade current facilities and hire staff.

"It costs $2,500 per person to train as a volunteer and an additional $500 for equipment. "

And while Bullard VFD has received many state and federal grants in the past, Newburn sees that money dwindling.

"Some of the grants are no longer available, and the ones still there are so competitive, it gets harder and harder to get the money," he said. In addition, many grants require a monetary match - something that's becoming more difficult to raise.

The biggest need, Newburn said, with VFDs is staffing in daytime hours.

"Every one of these guys works, and we do what we can, but we need someone at the firehouse full time," he said.

Newburn said the cost would be minimal, and it's worth it.

"If you're home is valued at $100,000, it would cost you about $50 a year," he said.

And some of this cost would be offset by a lower homeowners insurance - which gives lower rates according to fire protection. Newburn and his group

followed the lead of Lindale resident Gary Jackson, who began researching ESDs in the 1990s. Voters approved it in 1996.

Newburn and his volunteers circulated petitions throughout Bullard gaining overwhelming support from residents, he said.

The district would include Bullard, Flint, Gresham, Noonday, Troup, Whitehouse, Arp, Chapel Hill, Dixie, Jackson Heights, Red Springs and Winona. Whitehouse opted out of joining.

The next step is up to the county. Commissioners will appoint a five-member board to oversee operations.

Efforts to create an ESD began about 10 years ago, but came to a halt when organizers discovered that no official county boundaries exist.

Since then, Newburn and his fellow organizers solicited help from State Rep. Leo Berman.

Berman helped with legislation that allowed organizers to use lines drawn by the Smith County Appraisal District.