JASPER COUNTY ESD #4 Welcomes New Board Member, Approves Financials, and Tables Key Agreements

Rita Shipp
3 days ago
2 min read

JASPER, Texas — The Jasper County Emergency Services District No. 4 met Monday evening at 6 p.m., with Vice President Joe Morgan calling the meeting to order in the absence of President Sam Job. Commissioner Todd Parsons opened with prayer before the board turned to a full agenda of financial approvals, departmental updates, and new equipment discussions.

New Board Member Appointed

Vice President Morgan introduced Steve Smith as the district’s newest board member, filling the vacancy left by Chris Lanier’s resignation. Smith will also now serve as an authorized signer on the district’s Southside Bank accounts.

Financial Business and Bills

Commissioners approved minutes from the September 25 meeting and accepted the treasurer’s report presented by Finance Coordinator Parsons. They also approved payment of current bills, which included vendors such as Joe Byrd Construction, Holloway Auto Repair, Alpha Electric, and Set Dumpster & Debris.

An additional report listed nearly $33,000 in outstanding payables, including an $18,395 invoice from McNeil & Company and $3,370 to Set Dumpster & Debris. Recently paid invoices included major expenditures such as $18,987 to Texas Materials Group, $11,040 to Duck Construction, and $7,840 to Overhead Door of Jasper.

Board Actions

Officer Appointments: Commissioner Glendon Bennett was unanimously named Secretary/Treasurer for the remainder of the year.
Bank Signatures: Commissioner Steve Smith was added as a new signer on district bank accounts.
Network & Camera Installation: Discussion on an invoice for the Dixie Station’s network and camera setup was tabled pending clarification of work scope.
Mutual Aid Agreement: A proposed revised Fire Protection and Mutual Aid Agreement with other Jasper County ESD departments was also tabled until district attorneys review updated participation language.
Phone System Quotes: The board accepted a Vonage quote to establish a dedicated ESD phone line.
Fire Tower Maintenance: Commissioners approved $16,800 for repainting the district’s fire training tower to address fading and rust.

Department and Agency Reports

Lake Rayburn VFD: Assistant Chief Randy Bridges reported 30 calls last month. Station 2 is now complete, and security camera installations are underway.
East End VFD: Chief Corey Deavers said the department is seeking bids to replace or repaint metal siding and exploring thermal imaging and rescue helmet upgrades.
Tri-Community VFD: Chief Joe Morgan reported the department’s tanker has been repaired and returned to service.
Angelina River VFD: Chief Glendon Bennett reported installation of four new garage door motors and ongoing keypad upgrades.
Beech Grove VFD: No report.
Texas Forest Service: Jim McCallie advised a helicopter and Type 6 wildland team are staged in Jasper due to elevated wildfire risk.

Allegiance Mobile Health representative Matt Schneider reported a new EMS unit is now in service, with the new flight crew in training in Phoenix. Deployment is expected November 17.