ESD heats up for ballot

MARBLE FALLS — The creation of an emergency services district by voters will be a “make-or-break” issue for the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, the chief said.

It is a sentiment echoed by firefighters in Granite Shoals, who also are trying to convince residents to support a new ESD — a taxing district that raises funding for fire and emergency medical services.

Anticipated budget cutbacks mean an ESD is needed to maintain and improve fire services by the Marble Falls volunteers, who are part of an unpaid, all-volunteer department answering calls outside Marble Falls, Chief Terry White said.

“If we don’t get it and with the potential we’ll be losing some funding next year — it’s pretty vital for the department to keep functioning at our normal capacity,” White added.

Granite Shoals Chief Austin Stanphill told his City Council July 21 that an ESD for the unincorporated area outside Granite Shoals may be the only way to ensure those homes get fire protection.

Residents who live in both areas could have a chance to vote on the creation of separate ESDs on the Nov. 8 ballot.