Adding tax district wouldn’t be popular

The weekly Question:   Do you favor creating a taxing entity to fund emergency services like volunteer fire departments?

Yes  43%    No  57%

Although it's only an ember of an idea, the notion of creating another taxing district to fund emergency services in outlying parts of Ector County probably isn't going to catch fire. The possibility was brought up by the chief of the West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department, Jimmy Ellis, during a county budget workshop. And he said up front that it wasn't something he was actively pursing.

Now it's understandable that Ellis would be looking at funding options. His department has been extended to the limit with this year's grass fire epidemic caused by dry conditions. Plus, the department has been hit hard by rising fuel costs.

So creating a taxing entity for WOVFD and the other volunteer units in the county is seen as an option to the alternatives. Ellis literally had to beg commissioners to allocate more county money for his department.

But another tax isn't likely to be a popular measure with the public right now. Most taxpayers already are feeling the bite from increased property valuations.

In other words, a new taxing entity probably is a can of worms that is best not opened.

If such a proposition were enacted, all sorts of questions would arise.

For instance, who would be taxed? Just those people outside the city limits?

And how would the money be allocated? Obviously, the West Odessa operation covers a lot more area and services more people than, say, the Goldsmith Volunteer Fire Department.

And let's face it, at least some of the people who moved to West Odessa and other surrounding locations did so to avoid city taxes and regulations. Even if it's a matter of public safety, they're not likely to favor more mandatory contributions come tax time.

Besides, city taxpayers already subsidize firefighting outside Odessa. When a large fire breaks out in West Odessa or South Ector County or any other nearby location, city fire units often respond.

In a perfect world, residents served by volunteer fire departments would realize how valuable those services can be when danger strikes. And they would find ways to volunteer to help raise funds to support their volunteers.

But a lot of folks simply don't consider the possibilities until it's too late.

Still, that's no reason why another tax district should be created to force everyone to ante up.

>> Barth: Why on earth would we want to create another taxing entity? We are having a hard enough time coping with the big spenders we have now. Volunteers raise money through raffles, bake sales, motorcycle events and such. They don't tax us.

>> Ragsdrr: I think it should be clarified that only those households living outside the city limits would be taxed for this service. Might change the percent for and against!

 This weeks poll:

Should the City of Odessa annex more land to increase its tax base?

To vote on this week's poll, visit www.oaoa.com/sections/poll
Cast your ballot by 9 a.m. Thursday.
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