Voters to decide May 10 on ESD commissioners, fire department sales tax

Spring and Klein residents can affect their local emergency services May 10 by voting on commissioners for Emergency Services District No. 11 and by voting on a 1 percent sales tax that could help fund the Klein and Champions fire departments.

Bradley England, executive director for the Cypress Creek EMS, said residents can vote on two of the five commissioners for ESD 11, which contracts for emergency services with Cypress Creek EMS. Candidates for the two positions include current president Lynn LeBouef and current secretary Fred Grundmeyer as well as opponents Patrick Krupka, Richard Rankel, Steve Caton, Chad Kahn and Bryan A. Brassell.

The two candidates that receive the most votes will join the other three commissioners—Robert Berleth, Kevin Brost and Karen Plummer. England said the commissioners oversee the funding of ESD 11, which receives a property tax rate of 4.75 cents per $100 valuation. He said property tax revenue from ESD 11 makes up about half of Cypress Creek fEMS' overall funding.

Cypress Creek EMS has served the community for about 30 years, England said, but it required more funding as the community grew several years ago. In 2005, the emergency services provider became the contractor of ESD 11, allowing it to receive funding from property taxes.

"We just couldn't keep up with what was going on, and the call volume doubled and tripled over the years," England said.

Another emergency services election will be on the ballot for some Spring and Klein residents May 10 as voters can decide whether both Klein and Champions fire departments should receive a 1 percent sales tax.

England said the sales tax could be levied regardless of a vote. If voters decide to not give the sales tax to the fire departments, the city of Houston could receive that sales tax revenue without a vote from the community.

"You can either give it to your local fire departments or let it go to the city of Houston," England said.

He said the sales tax election does not have any effect on Cypress Creek EMS or ESD 11, and the two elections are unrelated.

England urged residents to get out and vote May 10.

"It is your ambulance provider and your fire protection," he said. "Your local governments are where you can make a difference with your vote."

For more information on ESD 11 and the election, visit www.esd11.com. For additional voting information, visit www.harrisvotes.org.