GShoals calls meeting on emergency services district
GRANITE SHOALS — The city will again opt out of a proposed emergency services district, but Granite Shoals’ extraterritorial jurisdiction — which extends one mile past the city limits — could be included in the ESD.
The vote was unanimous by the City Council Tuesday. An ESD allows for the levy of property taxes to fund fire or emergency medical services, but creating one has to be approved by voters.
The city also will take a bite out of crime with its first National Night Out Oct. 4, the council voted.
Residents already pay for fire service inside the city limits, so being included in an ESD is not necessary, officials have said.
However, funding for fire and emergency services in the ETJ has to be determined soon because a contract with Burnet County expires Oct. 1, said Fire Chief Austin Stanphill. The county provides a stipend to the department for fighting fires outside the city limits.
Mayor Dennis Maier has called a special meeting 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road, to discuss the ESD issue.
