Help firefighters help you: May 9 election includes MC ESD #14

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Brandon Sanson, spokesperson for the Timber Lakes Professional Firefighters PAC, wants to remind everyone that there is more on the ballot right now than just the road bond. You probably haven’t heard much about the Montgomery County Emergency Services District Number 14’s (MC ESD #14) election to adopt a 2% Sales and Use Tax. The Professional Firefighters PAC wants to educate everyone in the district about the importance of this tax and what it means for the residents who live in MC ESD #14.

What some in our county may not realize is that MC ESD #14 is represented by the last remaining 100% Volunteer Fire Department in our county, and without improvements in the budget they may not be able to provide the services required of the department and the district in the future. MC ESD 14’s District Covers the Entire TL-TR subdivision, Sawdust Road from Glen Loch Drive to Sawmill Road, Melda Rd, McDonald Rd, and Golden Rd.

If the tax passes; MC ESD #14 will be able to provide improved funding and support to the fire department without raising property taxes. Currently you’re already paying this tax through your cell phone bills, utility bills, and when shopping outside of ESD 14’s district.

“This is going to be a very small impact on the individual person’s budget, but it will result in big changes,” said PAC members.

The most immediate need identified by the PAC is a new station to replace the original station building built in 1969. Currently the station is not suitable for an overnight stay which means the difference between a 5-minute response time and a 10-minute response time.

“Response times are crucial and staffing of a new station will help reduce times drastically,” said Sanson. “As the service area and population grows, so do the needs of our fire department. We need to be able to offer the same services as the rest of the county has the ability to do.”

When voting, just remind yourself that these firefighters are full-time volunteers in addition to their respective ‘full-time jobs’ and families .They deserve our support and gratitude, and they definitely deserve to be better funded. Voting will take place at the Timber Lakes Volunteer Fire Station #141 located at 3434 Royal Oaks Drive, Spring, Texas (77380), Wilkerson Intermediate School, Glen Loch Elementary School, and at the South Montgomery County Fire Station 11-1.

Your last opportunity to vote for improved fire protection is Saturday, May 9. The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m. Your property and your life could depend on it.