[quote name='Roto-Ray' timestamp='1357170188' post='506728']
Eric, can you help explain how the ESD's and FPD's work there?
[/quote]
As far as I know, ESD (Emergency Services District) and FPD (Fire Protection District) are set up for funding from county tax dollars. For example if one were to live in or have a business in an unincorporated area, part of the taxes they pay on their property go to the ESD (mostly EMS-related) and the RFD (for fire protection) that covers that particular area. If one of the ESD's or RFD's is fortunate enough to have properties of high tax value and/or a larger population, then they typically get more money. This explains why some VFD's have more stations and nicer equipment than others. Most of northern Harris County fits this bill, which is why the City of Houston has its eyes on these areas for future annexation.
The residents of these areas have it pretty good: no city taxes, but the benefit of city conveniences and decent fire and police protection. Nearly all of the VFD's in this area have paid "duty crews" assigned to some of their stations while their volunteer base is away at their day jobs. The duty crews are mostly Houston firefighters, as well as others from other paid departments.
Eric, can you help explain how the ESD's and FPD's work there?
[/quote]
As far as I know, ESD (Emergency Services District) and FPD (Fire Protection District) are set up for funding from county tax dollars. For example if one were to live in or have a business in an unincorporated area, part of the taxes they pay on their property go to the ESD (mostly EMS-related) and the RFD (for fire protection) that covers that particular area. If one of the ESD's or RFD's is fortunate enough to have properties of high tax value and/or a larger population, then they typically get more money. This explains why some VFD's have more stations and nicer equipment than others. Most of northern Harris County fits this bill, which is why the City of Houston has its eyes on these areas for future annexation.
The residents of these areas have it pretty good: no city taxes, but the benefit of city conveniences and decent fire and police protection. Nearly all of the VFD's in this area have paid "duty crews" assigned to some of their stations while their volunteer base is away at their day jobs. The duty crews are mostly Houston firefighters, as well as others from other paid departments.
Eric Hansen
Grand Prairie, Texas
Grand Prairie, Texas
Facebook
Google
Reddit
Twitter