Over the next several days, Caddo Mills Fire Department (CMFR) personnel will be collecting signatures from residents within the Caddo Mills Fire District to place the creation of an Emergency Services District (ESD) on the November ballot. This initiative aims to establish a dedicated funding mechanism for the fire department amidst the area's significant growth and increasing call volume.
Understanding the Proposed ESD
If approved, the ESD would levy a tax of up to $0.10 per $100 of property value. For a home valued at the Caddo Mills average of approximately $250,000, this would translate to an annual ESD tax of about $250. This tax would apply to all citizens residing within the Caddo Mills Fire District, encompassing both the City of Caddo Mills and its county areas.
Impact and Benefits
The funds generated by the ESD would be solely dedicated to the Fire Department. This dedicated revenue stream, anticipated to begin flowing within 1-2 years of approval, would provide the crucial resources needed to transition CMFR into a paid, full-time fire department with dedicated personnel and the most up-to-date equipment. Currently, CMFR operates with two paid part-time personnel from 7 AM to 7 PM, with night shifts covered by volunteers.
Furthermore, the implementation of an ESD is expected to help the Caddo Mills Fire District achieve a lower ISO rating. A lower ISO rating can result in reduced insurance costs for homeowners, potentially offsetting the additional tax cost for some residents.
Community Assistance Requested
CMFR is urging community members to assist in collecting the necessary signatures. To sign the petition to place the ESD on the ballot, individuals will need to provide their:
- Name
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Voter Registration Number (which can be found at sos.texas.gov)
- County of Registration
This petition is solely to get the measure on the November ballot, allowing residents to vote on the proposal.
