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Reorganization has occurred at the home for some of the people responsible for saving lives and homes.
North Bastrop County's emergency services district has cut ties with Elgin and McDade volunteer fire departments and consolidated into North Bastrop County Fire Rescue. The organization has been known as Bastrop-Travis Counties Emergency Services District No. 1.
“This will help the organization streamline services and reduce duplication of costs associated with having three different organizations under one umbrella,” said NBCFR in a press release. “North Bastrop County Fire Rescue will still have volunteers from Elgin and McDade helping with responses in addition to the paid staff.”
Although the group is still officially Bastrop-Travis Counties Emergency Services District No. 1, the moniker North Bastrop County Fire Rescue has been adopted to help residents understand the district's coverage area.
What is an ESD?
Like other ESDs, NBCFR is a political subdivision of the state born after the May 2007 election. As such, the ESD is a taxing district that can levy taxes for the purpose of providing emergency services. The district provides fire, rescue, emergency medical services and other emergency services to within its borders.
A five-member board of commissioners governs NBCFR. Commissioners are responsible for managing tax collections, fire protection development, rescue and the other emergency services provided by the District.
North Bastrop County Fire Rescue and other multi-county ESDs are elected by residents. ESDs are primarily funded by property taxes that cannot exceed 10 cents per $100 of property valuation. When approved by voters, ESDs can also levy a sales and use tax for additional funding.
Who does NBCFR protect?
The district covers 143 square miles and includes north Bastrop County and Elgin's extra-territorial jurisdiction in Travis County.
“It is one of only a few districts in the state that cover two or more counties,” touts NBCFR.
Until the ESD board recently voted to cancel contracts with Elgin and McDade VFDs, ESD staff included volunteers from those departments.
A new era
In March 2022, NBCFR hired its first full-time fire chief, Marco Martinez. Part-time employees came onboard October 10 to staff an engine and Medical/Rescue 1.
North Bastrop County Fire Rescue answered approximately 2,100 calls for service in 2021, which jumped by more than 50% last year with 3,634 calls.
“For over 125 years, our volunteers have done a tremendous job providing coverage and will continue to be a great asset to the district,” said NBCFR staff at last year's end. “We would like to thank all commissioners past and present for their hard work and dedication.”
