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To Whom It May Concern,
Voting lets you shape your community's future and can directly impact your finances.
The City of Ferris and Ellis County have many bonds and propositions that are important to read and comprehend for the upcoming election.
It is our duty as American citizens to vote. Your vote DOES make a difference.
I want to discuss Proposition A from the Emergency Service District No.5 and advise you to think about putting the “X” on the AGAINST.
The Ellis County Emergency Services District No.5 is asking for a property tax hike to ALL residents of the City of Ferris from 3 cents to 10 cents per $100 to your property taxes – with no accountability or transparency where the monies are intended to go.
In my view, the cost-benefit budget analysis for 2023 and 2024 does not support the suggested increase in revenue.
There is an increased cost, but the district has not proven to me of my benefit.
The citizens of Ferris will be paying DOUBLE TAX for services if you vote yes.
The ESD #5 contracts through the City of Ferris – and you as a taxpayer already pay for the services through your property tax for the Ferris DPS.
Did we not revolt once against double taxation?
We will be spending additional money with no guarantee of where it is going to go – and I am not okay with this.
The difference between the Ferris Department of Protection Services and District 5 for the City of Ferris is quite notable.
The Ferris DPS officers are triple-certified, meaning they are trained and certified as Texas Commission on Law Enforcement police officers, Texas Commission on Fire Protection firefighters, and Emergency Medical Technicians at a minimum.
Whereas the ECES District 5 has a fire chief has no record of certifications related to his position.
No FE on Training, No CTBS, Courage to Be Safe course, No TIMP Traffic Incident Management Program, and for the life of me why this was on the website – No Cancer Awareness Training.
I need to know how my public officials serve me and be educated enough to spend my money wisely.
Double taxation on your property taxes will discourage trade, investments, and home ownership in the City of Ferris.
If a person or business must pay property taxes in two forms for the same services, they may not want to invest or move to our beautiful city. This may limit home ownership and slow our economic growth.
I need more financial transparency, accountability, and better training for the department head and volunteers before I support their proposed tax increase.
I need proof that my money will be spent wisely.
– CD, Ferris, Texas
