by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian
08-11-25
Top Photo: Reagan Wells Volunteer Fire Chief Kenneth White, Uvalde County Attorney John Dodson, Knippa Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jose Martinez and an unidentified individual were seen meeting in the hallway outside of the 3rd floor Commissioners Courtroom following this mornings meeting of the Uvalde County Commissioners Court.
With several raising legal questions of the Emergency Services District 3 Petition tendered by the Uvalde County Commissioners Court Monday, August 11th, the Court voted to examine the documents more thoroughly checking if at least 100 signors required were property owners.
City of Uvalde Mayor Hector Luevano addressed the Court stating the petition’s pages lacked a heading indicating what the people were signing. Reagan Wells Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kenneth White said while he is thankful for the $4,000 the County provided the department each year, the department has received additional funds and asked that Reagan Wells VFD not be included in the new ESD 3, if passed by commissioners.
Developer Jared Capt also spoke asking that his developments approved earlier this year by the City and County under a Tax Incentive Reinvestment Zone agreement, not be included in the ESD 3 zone.
Several members of the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department were in attendance at today’s Court and appeared to support the ESD 3 taxing entity which if approved would levy up to 10 cents of 100 property evaluation of properties located in Uvalde County and the new ESD 3 map. The new tax would bring in funds that county volunteer fire departments could use to purchase equipment and cover expenses.
Those opposing the matter, most notably Diana Olvedo-Karau argue the Uvalde County Citizens cannot afford another tax and the county has money already in its budget it could reallocate towards these volunteer fire departments. The court voted in favor of recess until Tuesday, August 12th at Noon to allow time for the court to examine the petition to verify if those who signed it are property owners.
Uvalde County Commissioners sought the council of Uvalde County Attorney John Dodson before voting, He stated that the law concerning the petition seemed broadly written and allowed the court much latitude in approving the petition.(paraphrased)
Related
