October 23rd, 2016
Letter: Hays County fire, EMS chiefs back bond proposals, ESD expansion

EDITOR:

The safety of the residents and visitors to Hays County is directly linked to the quality of its infrastructure and public safety agencies.

That is why the Hays County Fire Chief’s Association voted unanimously on Oct. 19 to endorse Hays County Propositions 1 and 2, as well as the election to create Hays County Emergency Services District No. 9 and the expansion of Emergency Services District No. 7 scheduled. The bonds and ESD measures are on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

Hays County commissioners are continually tasked with meeting the demands of one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. This rapid growth has led to the need for safety improvements on our roadways, a new Emergency 911 Communications Center, an emergency operations center and upgrades to our antiquated jail facility. As leaders in the first responder community, we have seen these needs first hand. We have participated with the county commissioners in the planning of these projects and are thankful they have heard and responded to our requests.

Our county commissioners were elected as stewards of the taxpayer dollars and we believe they are making smart, educated decisions in the proposal of these bond elections to meet the current and future needs of the growing county. As taxpayers, we want to be assured that our tax dollars are used responsibly, and that we are protected from unreasonable taxation, both are upheld in this bond election. We urge all citizens to come together in support of these measures.

In addition to the two bond propositions, some voters will see an Emergency Services District proposal on their ballot.

• Residents in eastern Hays County will vote for the creation of Hays County Emergency Services District No. 9. This district will serve the citizens of Kyle, Uhland, Niederwald, Mountain City, the Kyle ETJ and the San Marcos extra-territorial jurisdiction.

• Citizens in the subdivisions of Summer Mountain Ranch, Falconwood, Oakwood Loop, Hugo Rd and Cielo Ranch Rd be asked to vote on an annexation into ESD No. 7. This area has been served by Wimberley EMS for many years but has never been included in the district. This realignment will provide those residents a voice in their EMS service delivery.

The creation of the ESD No. 9 district and expansion of the ESD No. 7 district will provide funding for Emergency Medical Services to these areas. This is an important step in meeting the demands placed on our emergency services because of the rapid growth.

This is an important time for all of Hays County to stand together for safety and security. Please join us in voting yes on Props. 1 and 2, as well as the creation of ESD No. 9 and expansion of ESD No. 7.

David Smith
Chief, San Marcos Hays County EMS
President, Hays County Fire Chiefs Association

Kyle Taylor
Chief, Kyle Fire Department
Vice President, Hays County Fire Chiefs Association

Chas Humphry
Assistant Chief, South Hays Fire Department

Kharley Bagley Smith
Hays County Emergency Management Coordinator

Ken Bell
San Marcos Fire Marshal

Gib Watt
Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator

Clint Browning
Hays County Fire Marshal

Carroll Czichos
Chief, Wimberley Fire Department

Scott Collard
Chief, North Hays Fire Department

Clay Huckaby
Chief, Buda Fire Department

Mark Padier
Chief, Chisolm Trail Fire Rescue

Robert Simonson
Chief, South Hays Fire Department

Les Stephens
Chief, San Marcos Fire Deparment

Ken Strange
Director, Wimberley EMS