East Texas

By MALENA OGLES
Staff Writer

Board members answered questions Thursday as to why the 11 volunteer fire departments receive equal funding despite having varying tax bases during a public hearing for the Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 tax rate.

Board Vice President Allan Adams explained that last year they were told by the Smith County Appraisal District that the county did not have the proper computer equipment to separate how much each fire district contributed, so the board decided to split the ESD No. 2 funds evenly among the departments.

Adams added that even if the appraisal district was able to separate the amount of money contributed, many departments are so far behind in equipment they would require more money to reach the same level as other departments.

"Once we get to where we can ensure mutual aid with everybody we will start looking at the needs for the community based on fire loads," Adams said.

Adams explained that even if Whitehouse was to have a higher tax base than in Red Springs, the need for properly outfitting each department is the same because of mutual aid.

"We have so many departments that are so behind," he said.

He explained that departments have spent a lot of money this past year on new equipment and truck repair. He said that money will most likely go toward paid personnel and land for substations in the following years.

"This is just a move, but it all takes time," ESD No. 2 board president Orvice Rozell said.

Sharon Guthrie, with the Smith County Tax Payers Association, asked board members if they plan for the tax rate of 8.5 to remain the same.

The proposed tax rate at 8.5 cents per $100 in property valuation is the amount set by the board last year.

Because property values in Smith County have increased, the old tax rate will generate more money. If set at 8.5, the taxing entity will add approximately 3.14 percent to next year's budget.

Board members said the number could be lowered anywhere from 8.3 to 8.4 cents per $100 in property valuation.

Last year, Smith County ESD No. 2 brought in $4.22 million in taxes from Smith County residents. If the board adopts the current rate again, it would generate $4.43 million.

For the money generated to remain the same as last year, the board would need to set the rate at 8.2.

Board members are scheduled to set the tax rate during their regular monthly business meeting on Aug. 28.