So What Does an ESD Commissioner Do?

Last month, you recall I wrote about how and why an Emergency Service District came in to being. I explained how an ESD funds its service provider and how that results in better emergency service for the community. This month, I'm writing about the duties of an ESD commissioner.

In Harris, Smith, and Orange counties, ESD commissioners are elected by popular vote. This is also true for any commissioner of an ESD that encompasses multiple counties. In all other counties, the ESD commissioners are appointed by the county commissioners court of that particular county. Personally, I consider it a great honor to be elected by those who I represent. ESD commissioners are elected for a term of four years. Because an ESD board has up to five commissioners, that means three commissioners are elected on one cycle and the other two on the next one two years later. A minimum of six hours of certified training every two calendar years is required by state law.

When a service provider has a need, it comes to the ESD board to request funding. The board studies the request along with any bids that the service provider has obtained. The ESD board may approve the funding or it may request further information. It can even just say "no". Because ESD boards are not interested in spending time with items of minimal importance, a service provider will submit an annual budget for operational expenses. Once approved, the ESD pays the service provider regularly, usually monthly, an amount to cover operational expenses of the provider. This is in addition to the regular budget that an ESD must create for itself prior to any fiscal year. An ESD commissioner deals with numbers and monetary amounts on a regular basis.

So where does the money come from to cover these expenses? I'm going to use a bad word here, so mothers have your kids close their eyes and cover their ears. We tax the public. I know, taxation can have a negative connotation, but relax. ESD's are by state law not allowed to tax in excess of $0.10 per every $100 of property valuation. In reality, ESD's use tax money more efficiently than probably any other form of government. I am proud to say that ESD 47 has lowered its ad valorem tax rate every year since I have been president. (That is presented elsewhere on this website.) Meanwhile, ESD 47 has purchased for Westlake VFD's use numerous new trucks and apparatus and equipment so that the public may be served in the highest capacity.

ESD's usually meet once a month to conduct regular business, an exception is for matters of high importance and urgency which may cause a meeting to happen between regular meetings.. ESD 47's meeting agenda is always posted on this website. Texas ESD commissioners are compensated $150 per meeting which is, by state law, the same rate as those that serve on a water district (MUD). The next four or five months will be busy ones for your ESD 47 commissioners. In July and August, the ESD 47 budget for Year 2022 will be set, followed by the setting of the ad valorem tax rate. In November, three commissioners' positions are up for election.

More will be posted on that topic next month.

Until then, stay safe.
Brian Havran