East Texas

Volunteer fire departments preparing budgets with emergency services district funds will meet Thursday with board members to discuss budget options and changes for the next fiscal year.

Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 board members will meet with fire chiefs from Arp, Bullard, Chapel Hill and Winona volunteer fire departments to review the fire departments’ needs, and how they can be met through ESD No. 2 funds during a 5:30 p.m. workshop.

ESD No. 2 was approved by Smith County voters in 2007 to provide funds to each of the county’s 11 volunteer fire departments.

Since departments started receiving ESD No. 2 funds, they have upgraded equipment, hired paid personnel and increased training.

The board will also consider and take any necessary action regarding 911 dispatching for the Smith County Volunteer Fire Departments, and review and approve expense requests greater than $2,000.