Burnet County ESD #6

[kb5ykj]

There will be a public meeting at the Marble Falls Area V.F.D. building on Saturday March 5th at 2Pm. The address is 606 Ave. U Marble Falls Tx.
The topic will be the formation of the Burnet County E.S.D. #6 for Marble Falls.

[frsmith107]

What area will this taxing (yes, taxes) authority cover?

[butchkemper]

There will be a public meeting at the Marble Falls Area V.F.D. building on Saturday March 5th at 2Pm. The address is 606 Ave. U Marble Falls Tx.
The topic will be the formation of the Burnet County E.S.D. #6 for Marble Falls.
The message leaves unanswered several very important questions. From my understanding of the situation:


There are four fire departments in the southern part of Burnet County:

Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department
Marble Falls Fire Department
Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department
Cottonwood Volunteer Fire Department





The proposed ESD includes the area served by the MFAVFD but excludes the area within the city of Marble Falls. There is an item on the MF City Council to discuss allowing the MF ETJ to be included in the proposed ESD.



Only the residents in the proposed ESD will vote in the election. The residents of Marble Falls will not vote on the ESD.



Only the residents in the proposed ESD will be taxed by the ESD. The residents of Marble Falls will not be taxed.

If you want to see maps for the FD areas, please click on these links:


http://home.kemperfamily.us/~kemper/esdmaps/burnet-esd-fire.pdf (http://home.kemperfamily.us/%7Ekemper/esdmaps/burnet-esd-fire.pdf)
http://home.kemperfamily.us/~kemper/esdmaps/gs-esd-3.pdf (http://home.kemperfamily.us/%7Ekemper/esdmaps/gs-esd-3.pdf)
http://home.kemperfamily.us/~kemper/esdmaps/mf-esd-6-etj.pdf (http://home.kemperfamily.us/%7Ekemper/esdmaps/mf-esd-6-etj.pdf)
http://home.kemperfamily.us/~kemper/esdmaps/mf-esd-6.pdf (http://home.kemperfamily.us/%7Ekemper/esdmaps/mf-esd-6.pdf)

Butch

[kb5ykj]

What area will this taxing (yes, taxes) authority cover?
The best way to get the answers is attend the meeting and all questions will be answered. That is why it is a public meeting.

[frsmith107]

Thanks for the detailed information.
I live in Cottonwood Shores and the next thing I really want to see is MORE TAXES.
You now know how I am voting - No More Taxes.

[butchkemper]

Thanks for the detailed information.
I live in Cottonwood Shores and the next thing I really want to see is MORE TAXES.
You now know how I am voting - No More Taxes.
If you live in the city of Cottonwood Shores, you do not live in the proposed ESD and thus, you do not get to vote.

Butch

[butchkemper]

An update to my previous post based on the actions of the MF City Council at last night's meeting.

The MF City Council voted to exclude the MF ETJ area from the proposed ESD. That means:


Residents in the MF ETJ will not participate in the ESD vote.



Residents in the MF ETJ will not be taxed by the ESD.



MF is responsible to provide fire protection to residents in the MF ETJ by either:

The MF FD will provide the service.
The City of MF will contract with the ESD to provide the service.



To see a map of the MF boundaries including the ETJ, click on this link:http://home.kemperfamily.us/~kemper/esdmaps/mf-esd-6-etj.pdf (http://home.kemperfamily.us/%7Ekemper/esdmaps/mf-esd-6-etj.pdf)
Butch

[frsmith107]

Butch Sir,
My mistake - thanks for correction.
Frank

[frsmith107]

But then again, Butch. Why would Judy Pace and the remainder of the City Council of Cottonwood Shores vote (last night) to support the ESD #6? Are they trying to sway city voters that it is a good thing this year so that they can maybe, just maybe, add the taxing authority to Cottonwood Shores next election cycle (2012). That it why I raised the red flag previously because supporting the ESD#6 was an agenda item on City Council agenda for last night. I just don't understand - I know what you are going to say and it is true, I should have gone to the meeting - I didn't. Interestng and very courious stuff going on in CWS these days.

[tonigking]

Butch, thanks so much for the comprehensive maps; they are very helpful.

Now will someone explain, in non-legalese, the legal obligation of the City Fire Dept.'s to service the ETJ's in their area.:confused:

[butchkemper]

But then again, Butch. Why would Judy Pace and the remainder of the City Council of Cottonwood Shores vote (last night) to support the ESD #6? Are they trying to sway city voters that it is a good thing this year so that they can maybe, just maybe, add the taxing authority to Cottonwood Shores next election cycle (2012). That it why I raised the red flag previously because supporting the ESD#6 was an agenda item on City Council agenda for last night. I just don't understand - I know what you are going to say and it is true, I should have gone to the meeting - I didn't. Interestng and very courious stuff going on in CWS these days.
There is nothing that I know of that prevents the City of CWS from passing a resolution of support for the ESD. As to why they did it, you will have to ask someone from the CWS Council or someone that attended the meeting. Speculation may be fun but only a direct question will get an answer.

Only the residents of the proposed ESD are allowed to vote in the election and will be taxed it it passes. If you look at the Burnet County map from my previous post, you will see that CWS is not included in the ESD because the city is encircled by the CWS VFD area.

Butch

[butchkemper]

Butch, thanks so much for the comprehensive maps; they are very helpful.

Now will someone explain, in non-legalese, the legal obligation of the City Fire Dept.'s to service the ETJ's in their area.:confused:

The maps were provided by the Burnet County 911 Office.

Butch

[kb5ykj]

Butch, thanks so much for the comprehensive maps; they are very helpful.

Now will someone explain, in non-legalese, the legal obligation of the City Fire Dept.'s to service the ETJ's in their area.:confused:

My understanding from listening to the Attorney at the meeting on Saturday afternoon is that the City Fire Department is responsible for Fire protection in the ETJ. The city is not allowed to Tax the ETJ though; The County is the only one allowed to do so till they are actually annexed into the City limits. The City can however contract with an ESD to provide service in those areas.

[kb5ykj]

Thanks for the detailed information.
I live in Cottonwood Shores and the next thing I really want to see is MORE TAXES.
You now know how I am voting - No More Taxes.

Mr Smith;
The Counties are the ones trying to get the ESD to come in. Right now all the 11 Fire depts. in the county receive funding from the County. With the Budget battles and the State cutting funding they are looking at other places to use the funding may have to be used like:
Roads, things like this.

[frsmith107]

Thanks Chuck Sir. Oh I clearly understand that it was a County move, (as well explan above by Butch Sir), but then, you gotta ask yourself, why did JUdy Pace and the rest of the City Council of Cottonwood Shores vote to support the effort of increasing taxes? And Chuck, I clearly understand about budget shortfall battles at Federal, State, City and at HOME in my own household. I guess the BUCK acountability is only at the homeowner level - so the policiticans can just tax the heck of the homeowner. Nope, if I gotta do with what I make in dollars each week, then so should the policiticans I vote into office. I may have but one vote, but I do vote and will. Color me Sara Palin or whatever, but I have had enough of TAXES. I say make due with what you got and be darn thankful you live in this great free Country - that's is what my family and I do.

[kb5ykj]

Thanks Chuck Sir. Oh I clearly understand that it was a County move, (as well explan above by Butch Sir), but then, you gotta ask yourself, why did JUdy Pace and the rest of the City Council of Cottonwood Shores vote to support the effort of increasing taxes? And Chuck, I clearly understand about budget shortfall battles at Federal, State, City and at HOME in my own household. I guess the BUCK acountability is only at the homeowner level - so the policiticans can just tax the heck of the homeowner. Nope, if I gotta do with what I make in dollars each week, then so should the policiticans I vote into office. I may have but one vote, but I do vote and will. Color me Sara Palin or whatever, but I have had enough of TAXES. I say make due with what you got and be darn thankful you live in this great free Country - that's is what my family and I do.
We are in complete agreement on the taxes. I know there are alot of folks that are loosing jobs, homes, etc. and I am right there with you. The Cities need to learn to live within a real budget for what they have or wait till things get better before they start the dream world. not just follow the spend, spend, and when the problem is still there spend some more.

[Texan]

So I don't understand how this works... I am located in a rural part of southern Burnet County. If my house catches on fire or I have some other emergency today, who will show up? MF Fire Dept? MFAVFD? How will this change if we pass this proposition to create this ESD? Will this change if we don't pass this ESD?

Is there somewhere where one can read what this ESD will do for us if passed and what it will cost us in taxes? I'm all for no more taxes... we are overtaxed as it is... but I don't want not have the fire department not show up because this is voted down.

[kb5ykj]

So I don't understand how this works... I am located in a rural part of southern Burnet County. If my house catches on fire or I have some other emergency today, who will show up? MF Fire Dept? MFAVFD? How will this change if we pass this proposition to create this ESD? Will this change if we don't pass this ESD?

Is there somewhere where one can read what this ESD will do for us if passed and what it will cost us in taxes? I'm all for no more taxes... we are overtaxed as it is... but I don't want not have the fire department not show up because this is voted down.

Send a e-mail to mfavfd@nctv.com and they will be glad to get a flyer to you. Or you can call the station and request one. (830) 637-7128
I don't know where in the southern part of burnet county you live but there are maps listed above that will show what department your area is covered by. If the ESD passes the ESD Board will be responsible for the Tax rate and to contract with a fire department to supply services to your area.
If you are in the ETJ of the City of Marble Falls they will be responsible for your area either by coming theirself or by contract with the ESD to supply service.

[Texan]

I am assuming the county government is likely paying the city and MFAVFD for services outside the city limits and thus it would be a relief valve for the county government budget for these ESD's to be voted in; again, a total assumption on my part.

I would be a little shocked if this information is not being made available to the public through the newspapers or on the burnet county or city websites... but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Really, I have to call or write to get the info or go by and pick it up?

Supposedly someone somewhere is behind this and is pushing for it for whatever reason. But without making the case for why we should vote ourselves a heavier tax burden there should be zero expectation it will pass? What up?

[Caretaker]

Word has it that these Esds may not even make the ballot. The petitions may not be folowing state rules.

[rmoss]

ESD #6......more taxes......for what? A new ESD will add .10 to your already high tax bill. That is $200 more a year for a $200,000 home. Plus, an ESD can capture additional portion of sales tax.

I don't have a problem with funding a service that is needed. But, is it needed? Where's the plan? Have the people in the proposed ESD worked together the assess the needs and developed a plan? Is this driven by the people; or, by the VFD wanting new stuff? I bet NOT by the people.

Most ESD's are formed and the tax payer is taxed at the maximum rate allowed by law of .10; then, they figure what all they can buy with the tax dollars. Show me a plan that justifies the amount needed; and, I will reconsider for that amount; not a blank check for the .10 max. Until then.....NO to ESD #6.

[Waldo]

It isn't so much that the petition is a problem but that they are required to give cities that are opting in or out areas of their ETJ 60 days to respond to the letter they sent out. Guess what, those sixty days aren't up until April and they wanted this done right now because they need to determine area boundaries and print ballots that reflect who is in and who is out. This will keep coming up. It will be on the November ballot.

[tdub]

Hello rmoss,

My name is Terry White and I am fire chief of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.. The need for the ESD #6 is for the Volunteer Fire Department to stay solvent and have adequate funding to continue to respond to related emergencies when we are called to do so. We are a 100% volunteer fire department of hard working individuals that put in a lot of time in order to lend our neighbor a hand. This department was established in the 1930's to service the City of Marble Falls and the surrounding county area within our fire district. Our call volume has continued to increase steadily over the past 15 years and continues to climb with an annual call volume of over 500 calls a year. We have been at the City of Marble Falls Fire Station since it was constructed and have recently had to build our own station which is located at 606 Avenue U in Marble Falls. In order to build the station we utilized monies in a building fund that we have been saving over the past 10 years, but the remaining portion had to be borrowed and we now have a debt service. The average age of our fire response vehicles is 12 years old, including our engine/pumper, 3 brush trucks, 1 water tender/tanker, and a command vehicle. We have just taken delivery of a new 2,000 gallon tanker/tender that we received a $155,000 grant from the Texas Forest Service, which was a matching grant that we contributed $17,000 to for approximately $172,000 price tag. This was much needed for the outlying areas where no hydrant systems are available (approximately 95% of our service area). Our income comes from three sources, Burnet County, City of Marble Falls VES, and the City of Meadowlakes. Burnet County is not required by law to fund fire protection for citizens and we receive approximately $23,000 from the county. The VES fluctuates since it is a voluntary donation that is on the City of Marble Falls water bill, and the City of Meadowlakes contract is approximately $26,000 for a total revenue of around $86,000 annually. We cover 122 square miles in our fire district, and as I previously mentioned we run more than 500 calls annually with a membership of around 20 volunteer fire fighters. Of those 20 fire fighters there are 6 have attended a fire academy and are commissioned structural fire fighters with the State of Texas and 9 are EMT-Basics or higher. The other members are earning certifications through the education tracking at the State Fire Marshalls Association. Approximately 1/3 of our budget goes to insurance (liability, workmans compensation, vehicle insurance, building insurance), and the remainder goes to debt service, fuel (which is rising daily), utilities at the station, training expenses, etc. 100% of our budget is being utilized for day to day operations and there is no room in it for rising fuel prices, replacement/reserve fund for aging equipment, etc. We have cut back on items such as uniforms, gear, member clothing replacement fund, etc. with items like uniforms being purchased by the members now. We have been able to stay afloat over the past several years as costs have increased by applying for a many grants as we can. This week we were notified that the $12,000 to $15,000 grant that we receive from US Fish & Wildlife and been eliminated from their budget for this fiscal year which will put additional strain on our budget and our wildland equipment at a time that is shaping up to be a possibly heavy wildland fire season.

Our annual operating budget fluctuates between $86,000 and $94,000. The proposed ESD in the unincorporated areas has assessed values totaling approximately $242,000,000 of which the $23,000 revenue is received. The is approximately 1/10 of 1% per hundred valuation if you calculate it the same as you refer to above on a cents per hundred valuation.

I understand the tax issue and I certainly do not like the idea of paying additional taxes myself. The ESD is not driven by the VFD just wanting new stuff, we are just asking for support in order to maintain the department and be there when someone is in need of assistance. Is there a need for the service? I guess that is for the citizens within the fire district to decide. We are citizens that live in this community that do what we do for no compensation and 100% out of our heart. We are basically on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week and hold full-time jobs and have families which creates a full-time juggling act at times. We are the community fire department, made up by the community. We are your fire department! We try and be good stewards of money we receive, and try and stretch a dollar as far as we can without compromising the safety of our fire fighters or the public. If you look at the budgets of cities in our communities with paid staffing, their budgets are well over a million dollars annually. I think we do a pretty good job at providing the services we do on a nominal budget.

An ESD board is made up of commissioners that are eligible to vote or own land within the proposed ESD. The fire department presents an operating budget and the ESD board sets the taxing rate based on the needs of the department. That being said, we do not have any control, nor can we tell the public what the tax rate will be prior to the election that is solely up to the ESD board.

Overall, the ESD is being proposed to ensure the continued operation of the VFD and shore up what is deemed to be an potentially unstable revenue stream. We are just asking the citizens within the proposed district for their help and support in doing that. If an ESD is not the most desired way to do that, we are open to any other options or ideas that someone may have. We do fund raising projects in an effort to close the gaps that we encounter, and all that participate in them is much appreciated. However, that gap seems to be widening faster than we can raise money.

I hope this information is helpful and shed some light on who we area, where we are, and where we are going and I will be happy to answer any questions.

Thanks for your time,
Terry D. White
Fire Chief, MFAVFD

[Peacock]

Volunteer firemen deserve our support. And if I am not willing to give my time and risk my life to fight fires, the least I can do is to provide financial support to those who do. Several of my neighbors have had significant fires that were controlled by MF Area Volunteer FD and mutual aid from other volunteer fire departments, and years ago the fire department saved my place from a pasture fire. When there is a fire (or accident or medical emergency) I want to know that trained responders will come. I am willing to pay money for that security. To expect a response for nothing isn't reasonable and if we aren't careful, some day we may not get the response that we need. I don't plan to volunteer to fight fires, but I will give financial support to the people who do.

[kb5ykj]

Everybody please log on the Burnet county site and take the funding survey. Let the county know where you want your tax dollars spent and what is important to you.
http://www.burnetcountytexas.org/default.aspx?name=news.home

[countryboy]

While I know this is an Old thread. This issue wil be coming back up again for election. So I wanted to bring it back to light. And I wanted to include what the TAX Rate Most likely will be.

ESd#1started with a 0.028 and has relatively remained the same rate since formation.

ESD#2 Started with the max at 0.10 and has remained the same since formation

ESD#4 started with 0.082 and has pretty well stayed the same

ESD#5 Started with 0.10 and has remained the same

ESD#7 Started with 0.10 and has only been lowered to 0.096(Not much change)

ESD#8 Started with 0.10 and is still 0.10.

I wanted to post those figures since a recent article in the paper stated that No one could say for sure what the rates would be But Volunteers Think it could mean a 5 to 6 cent rate.. After looking at the rates for all the other ESDs does anyone actually believe that if ESD#6 gets voted through it will not follow the same path as the others have done(exception being esd#1). You might as well mark in your budget that the rate (IMO) WILL be the highest amount or very close to it..

[Texan]

from .10 to .82 is a pretty wild swing. would that be .082? What about the .28; is that right also?

[Texan]

I hate taxes as much as the next good Texan, especially from the federal government which are allocated by representatives elected from across the country who do not have my community's best interest in mind. Local taxes are another issue; and when they are directly tied to such needed services as fire protection I am reminded that we aren't just voting for taxes, we are also voting for essential services. If you read Terry White's post, it is amply clear these outstanding volunteers and home town heroes deserve our support.

Furthermore, the issue of locally elected representatives overstepping their responsibility of judicious use of tax dollars and responsible setting of tax rates is easily corrected. This is vastly different from the national political scene where taxation without representation is out of control.

I'd like some more information regarding the details like the amount of taxes this would raise, what other funding sources would remain and what would not, would the budget needs be met, etc. if passed at 10 cents per hundred dollars valuation. If the valuation Mr. White cited of $232 million is correct, 10 cents would raise roughly $232,000 annually. A typical home of $200,000 would have an annual tax burden of $200 or $16.66 per month to ensure fire protection. This sounds more than reasonable to me and I would gladly pay it. If it doesn't pass, I only hope we will have the option to pay a monthly or annual fee for fire protection that will likely be significantly more expensive.

[countryboy]

from .10 to .82 is a pretty wild swing. would that be .082? What about the .28; is that right also?


Typo on those too. Its 0.082 and 0.028. I went and corrected them