KATY, TX (Covering Katy News) - By a vote of 366 to 204 voters living in the Willowfork Fire Department service area have approved a 2 percent sales tax.
The tax will be on transactions made in the area served by the Willowfork Fire Department/Emergency Services District 2 which includes much of Cinco Ranch. The district is 18.63 square miles and stretches across the northwestern side of Fort Bend County.
ESD 2 says the funds will be dedicated to enhancing safety and funding the following initiatives:
- Additional staffing ($1.5 million)
- Reducing cancer-causing chemicals ($550,000 initial - $30,000-$40,000 recurring maintenance cost) Decontamination showers, Washers and dryers, and a second set of bunker gear will be purchased for firefighters.
- Adding emergency medical technicians-advanced and paramedic response capabilities and equipment ($275,000 initial cost and $170,000 in yearly salaries)