The Washington County Commissioners Court meeting on January 14, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the proposed Emergency Services District (ESD) that could impact property owners in the Chapel Hill and Myersville areas. Travis Cook, a long-time member of the fire service, voiced strong opposition to the ESD, emphasizing the potential financial burden it would impose on local residents.

Cook highlighted that Washington County has a long history of supporting fire services, noting that the county has funded these services for over 50 years. He expressed concern that the proposed ESD would create a "forever tax," which would not only add to the existing county taxes but could also increase as property values rise. He pointed out that property owners would face double taxation, paying both their regular county taxes and the new ESD taxes.

The proposed tax rate of 10 cents per $100 valuation, while seemingly small, could lead to significant costs for homeowners, particularly those with properties valued at $500,000 or more. Cook argued that this additional financial burden would be passed down to future generations.

He also questioned the necessity of the ESD, suggesting that the current funding structure for fire services, which includes county taxes and fundraising efforts, should be sufficient. Cook called for a more equitable solution that would support all fire departments in the county rather than creating a separate taxing district for just two areas.

In conclusion, Cook urged the Commissioners Court to reconsider the ESD proposal and to work collaboratively to find a better funding solution for fire services that would not impose additional taxes on residents. The discussion reflects ongoing concerns about funding for emergency services in Washington County and the implications of new tax measures on local communities.