EMS Debate Heats Up in Jasper County: Newton Selects Allegiance, ESD 3 Considers Contract, Kirbyville Pushback

Allegiance Mobile Health, recently selected as Newton County’s EMS provider, is also under consideration in Jasper County as citizens in Kirbyville debate whether the city should join in. Photo by Rita Shipp.

JASPER COUNTY, Texas – Emergency medical services are shaping up to be one of the hottest issues in East Texas this week, with multiple meetings on the calendar that could define coverage for years to come.

Newton County: Allegiance Selected as EMS Provider

In Newton County, Emergency Services District (ESD) 6 previously selected Allegiance Mobile Health as the county’s first-ever dedicated EMS provider during an Aug. 16 board meeting. The district is now moving toward finalizing the contract, with officials scheduled to meet again Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Newton County Courthouse. Ambulance service is expected to launch in early 2026, funded by a 2% sales tax approved by voters this spring.

Design proof for one of the new Newton County Emergency Services District 6 ambulances. Image courtesy of Allegiance Mobile Health.

Jasper County: ESD 3 to Debate Contract

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jasper County’s Emergency Services District 3 will meet to discuss entering into an EMS contract with Allegiance Mobile Health. ESD 3 covers the area surrounding Kirbyville—including Roganville, Magnolia Springs, Mt. Union, and Call—but does not currently include the City of Kirbyville itself.

Kirbyville: City Pushback and Citizen Mobilization

The City of Kirbyville is not part of ESD 3, and Mayor Frank George has reportedly pushed back against efforts to bring the city into the district. According to information shared with ETB, Jasper County ESD 3 Commissioner Gary Barlow has made repeated attempts to bring Kirbyville into the fold but has faced resistance from city leadership.

In response, Barlow is encouraging residents to attend the Kirbyville City Council meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday to speak in favor of joining with ESD 3 for EMS coverage. Sources say a number of citizens have already committed to show up and make their voices heard during public comments.

The debate sets the stage for what could be a heated discussion at city hall, with residents pushing for improved emergency response options and city leaders weighing the costs and implications of entering into an EMS contract.