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Montgomery County Approves Fire Sales Tax Increase

**Montgomery County Approves Sales Tax Hike for Fire Services, Aiming to Boost First Responder Funding**

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX –** The Montgomery County Commissioners Court voted this past Tuesday to increase the sales tax dedicated to the county’s fire control district, raising the rate by half a cent per dollar spent. Set to take effect on October 1, 2023, the decision will increase the portion of sales tax allocated to fire services from 1.75 cents to 2.25 cents per dollar. This change is projected to generate an additional $11.5 million annually for 13 volunteer and combination fire departments across the county.

The newly approved funds are specifically earmarked to enhance fire and EMS operations, directly supporting critical areas such as personnel recruitment and retention, acquisition of essential equipment, development of advanced training programs, and covering general operational costs.

County Judge Keough and Commissioners Riley, Meador, and Metts voiced strong support for the measure, emphasizing the vital role of first responders and the necessity of adequate funding. They highlighted that the increase comes from a sales tax, thereby distributing the financial responsibility more broadly across consumers rather than solely burdening property owners through property tax hikes.

Chief Alan Brawner of the Needham Road Volunteer Fire Department underscored the urgency of the funding, citing a dramatic 70% increase in call volumes over the past five years. This surge in demand, coupled with existing funding gaps, has made it increasingly difficult for departments to maintain crucial ISO (Insurance Services Office) ratings – which can impact homeowners’ insurance rates – and to recruit or retain the volunteer firefighters essential to their operations.

“Our call volumes have exploded,” Chief Brawner stated, “and without stable funding, we struggle to keep up with the demands, maintain our readiness, and ensure our firefighters have the resources they need to protect our community.”

Despite the broad support, Commissioner James Noack cast the sole dissenting vote. His concerns centered on accountability for the new revenue, suggesting that the establishment of a citizen’s advisory board would provide beneficial oversight for the allocation of funds. Noack also expressed a preference for the measure to have been put before county voters as a ballot initiative, allowing for direct public input on the tax increase.

The funding structure specifically benefits the county’s volunteer and combination fire departments, which rely heavily on such revenue streams. It does not include the independently funded municipal fire departments of Conroe, Cleveland, or Splendora, which operate under their own city budgets.

For consumers, the increase means that for every $100 spent on taxable goods and services in Montgomery County, an additional 50 cents will be directed towards fire and EMS services. This adjustment will push the total sales tax rate in most areas of Montgomery County to 8.25%, combining the state’s 6.25% with various local and district taxes, including the updated fire control district rate.

With Montgomery County experiencing significant population growth, the demand for emergency services has steadily climbed. Supporters of the sales tax increase argue that this additional funding is not just an investment in fire departments, but a critical investment in public safety and the continued well-being of the rapidly expanding community. The new 2.25 cents per dollar sales tax rate dedicated to fire services will officially commence across Montgomery County on October 1, 2023.

Residents seeking more information on the Commissioners Court’s decision or the specifics of the fire control district’s funding can review meeting minutes available on the Montgomery County website or contact their local Commissioner’s office.

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