The “KAUFMAN COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT #6” will be there to help, but you may be wondering the following: “Just what is this organization or group; what types of help can be provided; who are the providers?”
Thousands of people live in areas outside the Forney City Limits, unincorporated, but very near to the “city proper.” Some examples are Travis Ranch, Old Military Trail (Lone Elm area), Devonshire, Windmill Farms, the many streets (Red Whaley developments) branching off Windy Lane, and other larger lots and estates in the rural areas. Many folks in these areas participate in most of the same activities as do those inside the city limits, including attending Forney ISD Schools.
Kaufman County Sheriffs and Constables do much to protect these families from crime, but FIRE and EMERGENCY services fall under the jurisdiction of the KCESD #6 (ESD #6).
Years ago, families living in the rural areas, close to but outside the city limits of Forney, were served by a rather small volunteer fire department, which did a great job, but due to increasing growth making it hard to serve all “Forney area” residents, ESD #6 was approved in 2001 by voters in the unincorporated areas and is funded by property taxes in the same way city dwellers pay for their emergency services. (many areas along Farm Roads 548, 1641, 740, 741, Highway 80, and Interstate 20)
Exactly how does an ESD raise funds? Answer: “Primarily by an ‘ad valorem tax’ on all real and personal property (that is subject to taxation) within the District”
ESD #6 is an independent government agency, which is managed by five non-salaried members of a Board of Commissioners, who are appointed by the County Commissioners and serve two-year terms.
ESD #6 contracts with the Forney Fire Department to take care of “fire response” services, as well as critical accidents on farms, ranches, and rural homesites, vehicle accidents, and many other miscellaneous accidents/emergencies.
ESD #6 coordinates with the city 911 system to provide quick responses for medical emergencies, helps maintain quality family life and public safety, and helps to keep home and business insurance costs lower by providing services by well-trained full-time professionals.
Who are the “appointed” Commissioners of KCESD #6?
(1)President: Ed Wilson (apptd. Dec. 2021)
(2)Vice-President: Micky Rouvaldt (apptd. Dec. 2020)
(3)Dana Curry: Secretary/Treasurer (apptd. Dec. 2021)
(4)Robert Schlebach (apptd. Dec. 2020)
(5)Mack Duncan (apptd. Dec. 2020)
Are there any other rural residents who serve this District? Yes—Administrative Assistant (part-time): Vivian Themer (hired Mar. 2021) by the Board of Commissioners
These Commissioners meet regularly and at “called meetings” as needed to help provide and administer rural emergency services.
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