In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed two pressing community issues: support for the police department and the challenges facing fire rescue services in Collin County.

Mayor Henderson initiated the meeting by encouraging residents to show their support for the police department by turning on blue lights from August 30 to October 10. This initiative, which has been ongoing for several years, aims to foster community solidarity with local law enforcement.

The conversation then shifted to National Rail Safety Week, with a reminder about the importance of safety at rail crossings. Mayor Henderson highlighted the dangers posed by unprotected grade crossings in Anna, urging residents to remain vigilant, especially after witnessing a truck bypassing safety gates.

The primary focus of the meeting was a detailed presentation by Fire Chief Ray Isom regarding the current state of fire rescue services in the county. Chief Isom outlined significant challenges stemming from recent legislative changes affecting annexation and the proliferation of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs). These changes have led to some cities, including Melissa, withdrawing from providing fire services in their extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs), raising concerns about the adequacy of fire protection in those areas.

Chief Isom emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the funding model for fire services, which has remained unchanged since 2013 despite rising operational costs and increased service demands. Currently, Anna receives a subsidy of $57,000 from the county, which is insufficient given the growing population and call volume. The chief proposed a shift to a per-call funding model, similar to that used in Denton County, to better reflect the actual service demands.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among city leaders to address these issues, particularly the need for a coherent strategy to ensure sustainable fire and emergency services in the face of rapid growth and changing legislative landscapes. Chief Isom expressed hope for a constructive dialogue with county officials to find a long-term solution to these pressing challenges.