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COLUMBUS – Colorado County Commissioners heard public comments during a public hearing on July 24 regarding the creation of Colorado County Emergency Services District No. 1, pursuant to Chapter 775 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Sections 775.016 and 775.017.
Comments from the public made during the meeting ranged from concerns about the Interstate 10 construction, highlighting the expansion of the city and county as volunteer fire department’s ability to respond to the increase in call volumes, as well as the concerns around fire departments being able to keep their property if acquired by the ESD, the cost it would put on Columbus, and more.
Citizens also emphasized the need for information and being able to vote on the creation of the ESD Those in attendance to speak included Howard Katz, an attorney the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department consulted for the ESD, Columbus Mayor Lori An Gobert, Fire Marshal Brent Gorman, Jr., a Bernardo Volunteer Firefighter, and more. Katz answered questions from the public and commissioners including clarifying that fire departments who purchase their own property will continue to own it, as well as having the right to their funds raised. He said only if something is purchased by the ESD will it then be the right of the ESD.
At the end of the public hearing, Judge Ty Prause spoke understanding the concerns from the public and agreed that the public should be able to vote on the ESD in November.
The commissioners unanimously approved the petition for the ESD.
The commissioners also discussed other agenda items including adopting a burn ban to restrict outdoor burning pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 352.081(c)(1) or (c)(2) for up to 90 days.
A donation from Colorado County Ag Complex of two tracts of land, 60.375 acres, more or less, and 7.947 acres, more or less, out of the W.B. Dewess Survey, Abstract No. 18, Colorado County, was also approved by the commissioners. Members from the Colorado County Fairgrounds/Complex were in attendance to speak on the donation.
