Ellis County Emergency Services District (ESD) 5 Fiscal Summary
Overview of ESD 5 and Services Provided
Emergency Services District 5 (ESD 5) is a local government established in 1987 to offer fire protection and emergency response services to specific unincorporated areas in Ellis County. ESD 5 supports thousands of residents, including communities surrounding the City of Ferris. ESD 5 contracts with two fire stations, one operated by the City and one operated by ESD. The City station is staffed by public safety officers certified in police work, firefighting and as emergency medical technicians. The ESD station provides volunteer staff and training for the volunteers.
ESD 5 is one of the 310 Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) across Texas, 12 of which are in Ellis County.
ESD 5's Resources and Community Needs
Ellis County is rapidly growing, with a 23% population increase over the past five years and a current population of approximately 230,000 residents. As the population grows and development expands, the volume of emergency calls has increased. However, current firefighting staffing levels and resources have stayed the same and are unable to keep up with the rising demand. This results in delays in response times and impacts the community’s access to emergency services.
Additionally, ESD 5 currently holds a high ISO rating, ISO ratings are scores given to fire departments based on their ability to protect their community. Fire departments are evaluated on a scale of 10 to 1, with 10 being the worst and 1 being the best. Having a high ISO rating contributes to higher homeowner insurance premiums for residents. By upgrading emergency protection services, ESD 5 may be able to improve its ISO rating and lower insurance costs for community members.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stations are located within ESD 5?
There are two stations within ESD 5, one operated by the City and one operated by ESD 5.
How is ESD 5 currently funded?
ESD 5 is currently funded through a maximum $0.03/$100 ad valorem property tax. Out of the funding, two-thirds of ESD 5’s revenue comes from property owners in Ellis County and one-third comes from property owners in the City of Ferris. ESD 5 is receiving the same amount of tax money as it did in 1987, which is insufficient to accommodate the growing needs of ESD 5.
How would ESD 5 benefit from additional funding?
Additional funding would help to increase staffing support and update equipment. It currently costs ESD 5 approximately $18,000 to put one person in firefighter gear. With more funding, ESD 5 would be able to bring on two paid staff per shift, more volunteers, and obtain up-to-date equipment.
How are current response times?
ESD 5’s staffing levels and resources are unable to keep up with the growing population demand. This results in delays in response times and impacts the community’s access to critical services.
How would Ferris residents benefit from additional funding?
Residents in both the City of Ferris as well as the surrounding county territory would receive dedicated fire service provided by paid staff and volunteers.
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