LETTER TO THE EDITOR

To the citizens of Whitehouse:

This is our one time a year we send a note to you asking you to contribute to the operations of your volunteer fire department. As most of you know, an election was held for the creation of Smith County Emergency Service District #2. This election passed, with the creation of the district being created. Unfortunately, we will not receive any funds from the ESD until late 2007 or early 2008. Until then, we ask for your continued financial support for the daily operations of your fire department.

To clarify, SCESD #2 was established in the rural areas outside the city limits of Whitehouse. For those of you living inside the city, with the support of your City Council, a portion of your city tax dollars goes to the operations of the fire department at this time. Combining these revenues will allow the fire department to move forward at an accelerated pace in meeting the demand for fire protection in your growing community.

One of the things we are looking at is the construction of a second fire station out in the rural area. By doing this we can ensure that everyone within our fire coverage area is within five miles of a station, which can result in a reduction of your insurance costs. We will also be looking at the purchase of additional fire apparatus and equipment, as well as funding for additional paid part-time employees. These employees are scheduled to work during the week while most of our volunteers are at their regular jobs. This ensures a quick response during a time where we have been short handed in the past. They also perform regular daily duties, such as upkeep of the station, equipment, fire inspections, fire education and other related fire activities.

While no one likes paying a tax, our goal is to utilize these additional funds to improve your fire protection coverage that ultimately will reduce your insurance costs. In most cases it results in an overall reduction to you the homeowner. In other words, you will pay an ESD tax, but the eventual reduction of your insurance premium should offset that plus some. Unfortunately, this will not occur overnight. It will take some time to put things in place, such as the new station and equipment for the station. As a comparison, SCESD #1 (Lindale area) was formed in the mid 90s. It took them about four to five years before they really noticed a significant decrease in their insurance premiums. But if you ask folks in that area today they will all tell you SCESD #1 was an overall wise choice for them.

Remember, any donation you make now, or in the future if you still choose to do so, is tax deductible. Thank you for your past and continued support.
Sincerely,
Whitehouse Volunteer Fire Department