Benefits for Andrews EMS

• Stable Funding: An ESD creates a dedicated tax base, reducing dependence on the hospital district’s general budget and ensuring consistent funding for staffing, equipment, and ambulances.
• Improved Staffing: Predictable funding allows EMS to hire and retain additional full-time personnel as needed, helping reduce burnout and improve overall reliability.
• Faster Response Times: More crews on duty mean fewer times when only one unit is covering the whole county.
• Updated Equipment: Dedicated funds make it possible to replace ambulances, monitors, and lifesaving gear on schedule—without relying on emergency budget requests.
• Long-term Planning: Stable funding allows EMS to prepare for growth and increasing call volumes, rather than operating year-to-year under uncertainty.

Benefits for Andrews Volunteer Fire Department

• Dedicated resources: Funding is earmarked specifically for fire protection, rather than competing with other city or county priorities.
• Stronger Personnel Support: An ESD can supplement the volunteer force with paid firefighters and medics, providing 24/7 coverage while preserving the volunteer tradition.
• Modern Equipment and Apparatus:  Stable funding ensures fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and protective gear are properly maintained and replaced on schedule.
• Enhanced Training and Safety: Volunteers gain access to more regular training, strengthening both safety and readiness.
• Expanded Coverage: With volunteers supported by ESD-funded staff, response times—especially in rural areas—can be improved.

Community-Wide Benefits

• Stronger Emergency Response: Stable funding, combined with both paid and volunteer responders, ensures broader and more reliable fire and EMS coverage.
• Prepared for Growth: As Andrews grows, the ESD provides a scalable system that can expand alongside the community.
• Local Control: An ESD Board, comprised of community members whom are selected by the County Commissioners, would oversee finances and services, with funds remaining within the district.
• Peace of Mind: Residents can be confident their emergency services are properly staffed, equipped, and funded to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.