Eustace, VFD at odds

Sept. 30--The Eustace Area Volunteer Fire Department has received a $11,200 donation. The money received from Holt Wrecker of Athens will provide $10,800 for insurance needed by the fire department.

"This comes as the fire department was struggling to find funds to pay for an insurance policy. The department only had 30 days to find a policy," said Dustin Shelton, Eustace Volunteer Firefighter.

Shelton said, "Randall, Ryan and Linda Holt owners of Holt Wrecker along with their team at Holt Wrecker Service stepped up and went above and beyond any dream imaginable to provide such a donation."

Shelton had informed his bosses at Holt Wrecker of the problems facing the fire department.

According to Shelton, since 1992 the City of Eustace has carried the Eustace VFD on the city's insurance policy in lieu of fire protection within the city limits.

"This was a cost of only approximately $3,600 to the city, but was also leaving many of the fire trucks and equipment underinsured," Shelton said.

Shelton said several requests were made in the last two years to raise values on the trucks only but were denied by Eustace mayor Elicia Sanders.

"Regardless, the Eustace VFD was grateful for the city's contribution and thankful for the financial relief of not having to pay for an independent insurance policy," said Shelton.

Sanders said the city had asked for documentation before going forward with additional insurance.

"We asked for eight or nine pieces of documentation that was never provided to the city. We needed the insurance for an assessment," she said.

Shelton said, "Fire Chief Chris Anthony had submitted the same documentation the city had requested in recent years, but was met with a new documentation request and resistance from mayor Sanders. The Eustace VFD was informed by the City of Eustace after the budget meeting in September, effective Oct. 1 the city would no longer insure the fire department and the Eustace VFD would need to seek its own policy."

Shelton said, "The City of Eustace and the Eustace Area Volunteer Fire Department has in previous years had a great relationship, but over the past several months things have changed. We ask for the community's thoughts and prayers as we work diligently for a peaceful and quick resolution."

During a city council budget meeting Sanders said, "I had requested information about bylaws and budgets for the past couple of years from the Eustace Area VFD. I wanted this, so we would have information in our files, basic documentation that they were a good risk for citizens. We would provide their insurance $3,600 per year to insure the fire department building, their equipment and people."

Sanders said the council is willing to reconsider funding for insurance, if the documentation is provided and is shown to be in good working order.

Shelton said the department would like to correct information in the Athens Daily Review released by Sanders.

"During the budget release in the local news, Mayor Sanders stated that the fire department was seeking and Emergency Service District (ESD) and would be a paid fire department," said Shelton. "This is not true. The Eustace VFD previously, currently, and will remain all volunteer."

Sanders said she was referring to equipment and other financial assistance the fire department will receive by becoming an ESD.

"I believe an ESD would be a good solution to the problems," said Sanders. "I am surprised the fire department has yet to contact the city with these concerns."

An ESD is a taxable entity that would supply funding to the Eustace VFD by an appointed board of directors, also volunteers, chosen by the local county commissioners court.

Currently, the only guaranteed funding to Eustace VFD is by the county for fire protection and mutual aid. Eustace VFD receives approximately $10,500 annually. According to Shelton the rest of the funding for the VFD is raised by volunteers through fundraising efforts and donations.

An Eustace ESD No.10 vote will be on the Nov. 3 ballot.

"With solid funding of the ESD, we can better train, educate and equip our members, allowing firefighters means to better protect the community," said Shelton. "Concerning the citizens of the City of Eustace, the Eustace VFD will continue to serve the residents and city for any fire department related needs despite disagreements and lack of funding from the city."

Eustace Fire Chief Chris Anthony said, "If you call, we are going to respond. We love, and care for all our citizens in our areas. Inside the city limits or not."

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