The Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department is preparing to move forward with long-awaited expansion plans on the heels of selecting a new full-time chief June 27, electing new board members earlier this year and Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 receiving an influx of funding.

In May 2013, voters approved a proposal from ESD No. 9 to collect 1 percent in sales tax revenue from purchases made within the department's service area. The measure, which will help fund the expansion of ambulance services, purchase new equipment and the construction of several new fire stations, was passed with the approval of 59 percent of voters in the CFVFD service area.

The request was based on studies that looked at population growth, transportation issues and the upcoming construction of new schools and churches in the service area. At the time, these collections were projected to bring in an additional $6 million annually. However, actual revenues have come in close to double that, said Bob Janusaitis, a commissioner with ESD No. 9. As the governing body of the VFD, ESD No. 9 is responsible for collecting taxes and managing the department's budget.

"I think we have to be careful on the sales tax and how we project things right now because it is subject to wild fluctuations, but we have certainly brought in more than expected in the first six months," he said.

Recent turmoil between ESD No. 9 and the VFD at the end of last year appears to be settling as well with new people in charge. The ESD, which was considering defunding the fire department over disagreements on the fire chief and by-laws, has agreed to let the department select its own chief from now on.

Amy Ramon, who will officially take over as CFVFD chief July 25, previously served as the general manager of ESD No. 9. She said she is optimistic about the two entities working together.

"I think it is of great importance to repair the relationship between the ESD and fire department," she said. "Having worked with both entities, I have a unique advantage."

Plans for growth

The CFVFD identified the best locations for new stations, but no construction plans have been finalized, district officials said.

"We are in talks with Bridgeland about building a station in that area to serve those residents," she said. "The Grand Parkway and future growth projections make the western part of our area a priority for new stations."

ESD No. 9, which is responsible for managing the CFVFD's annual budget, is working with the department on producing the 2014–15 budget and determining a property tax rate over the next few months, Janusaitis said.

Although construction of new stations is still on hold, the department has been able to tackle renovations at its existing stations. Renovations have included the replacement of HVAC units, painting and general maintenance at various stations and at the department's administration building.

Taxpayer relief

Commissioners with ESD No. 9 have also looked for ways to return some of the excess revenue back to taxpayers. At a June 19 meeting, commissioners voted in favor of enacting a 5 percent homestead exemption—which reduces taxes by lowering a home's taxable value—to residents in the service area as well as $160,000 exemptions for disabled persons and people 65 and older.

"I think it was well deserved," Commissioner Betty Boren Avery said. "We can give these exemptions while still providing the best service to the community."

Commissioners did not take any action regarding the reinstatement of a telecommunications exemption—which would remove taxes residents pay on telecommunications services, such as telephone, cell phone and fax services—with plans to revisit the issue at its July 17 meeting. Avery publicly supported reinstating the exemption in her election campaign.

"I do not believe in raising taxes and think we need to reduce taxes," she said. "If we have excess revenue, there is no reason for us to have removed this exemption."

Next steps

The CFVFD will be working with ESD No. 9 commissioners during the next month to develop a more refined approach to setting the department's budget—one that involves cash forecasting 10–15 years in advance—which Janusaitis said will help make sure sales tax revenue is spent in the right places.

"The important thing is for us to be able to have a vision for what's coming up," he said. "As we put new stations in, we're adding apparatus. There's always new technology emerging that we will have to invest in. All those things become a part of this long-term forecasting model."

The cash forecasting will play a crucial role in determining exactly when to construct the new buildings, Janusaitis said.

"Doing these construction projects is a balancing act that involves both demographic studies and construction costs," he said. "We're going to position ourselves so we have information to make reasonable decisions about what to do five years out so we're not short on money. The benefit is, we won't have to borrow to construct the building."