New ESD again up for consideration by county
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Wharton County Commissioners will need two meetings to determine if and when an election to establish a new taxing district to fund the East Bernard EMS will be held.

At their last meeting on Feb. 11, they voted to hold a state mandated public hearing on a possible election to create an Emergency Management District No. 2 at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6 in the East Bernard High School Cafeteria.

After hearing from the public, commissioners will vote on setting the date for the election during their regularly scheduled March 10 meeting.

The March 10 date is the last possible date to call for an election on May 10, which has been requested by the EMS Department.

County Elections Official Judy Owens said commissioners could set the date for the election at the same time as the public hearing, but the court decided they needed the additional time to review public input.

When it was brought up the department could submit another request in November, Owens said it would have to go through the entire process again, including collecting the necessary signatures on a new petition. She added 117 signatures were turned in by the department.

"And there might be that many against it in the community," Precinct 2 Commissioner Chris King said.

King recommended the high school cafeteria be used for the public hearing since it would be in the center of the district. The cafeteria was selected after the commissioners decided the meeting rooms in the East Bernard Justice of the Peace building and the East Bernard Library might not be big enough to hold the potential audience.

Owens also said that postponing the election until November could add complications because it would be held at the same time as the State and National General Elections.

King countered saying the turnout for this year's general election, which includes a presidential race, would be higher and possibly better reflect the desires of the people.