By Kathleen Calame
Publisher, The Devine News
The MC ESD4 which provides emergency medical services to Devine and Natalia is wanting to increase taxes by 2.85 cents per $100 value which is an increase change of 57% over last year’s tax rate according to a notice this week. Tax on an average homestead will have a change of 64 to 73% increase it states.
ESD 4 is going to start their own ambulance service on October 1 instead of using a contractor like they have for many years. The announcement was made months ago, and a director of operations was hired.
So ambulances must be bought or rented, supplies purchased, employees hired, accounting programs purchased, employee benefits set up, etc. All the things a business must do to get started with its own human resources and equipment to do the job.
They will charge customers for the service call.
An election is not needed, just a public hearing. The Public Hearing on the Tax Increase will be on August 20, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Devine EMS building, 206 Dixon Dr, Devine, Tx. Citizens will be allowed at the hearing to voice their concerns. (See in this week’s Devine News for the Public Notice of the Hearing for additional details.
Board members are Anthony Martin, Viola Potter, Juan Zamora, and George Moralez. There is a seat open as Shelly Watson resigned in July from the board. Christy Merendon is the District Coordinator. “We need the extra 2 cents to start the EMS,” said President of ESD4 Tony Martin.
Another project they are looking to fund is a new EMS station to be built in Natalia.
If you know of someone interested in being on the board contact President Tony Martin at 210-367-1295 or email him at president@medinacountyesd4.org