Public encouraged to come hear options on possible fire department changes

MCESD#2 who collects tax dollars to provide fire protection in the Devine area, has called a August 12th meeting as they are discussing contracting with ESD1 for fire services. They are having a called meeting on August 12th at 7:00 PM at the firehouse. Their regular meeting will be the following week.
“As always we appreciate participation and really hope that everyone who’s concerned would be able to make it and hear our options alongside of us,” said Abigail Beadle, ESD2 Commissioner.
Devine Volunteer Fire Department currently provides the service with a mix of paid fire fighters and volunteers. Less than a year ago, DVFD added 6 paid positions and have recently discovered it needs much more money to keep it going than originally proposed by the prior fire chief Greg Atkinson who resigned. Chief Cook of ESD1 talked at the last meeting about the various choices and wants to keep the local volunteer department while providing leadership and fire services through ESD1.