A resident urged Collin County commissioners to explore emergency service districts (ESDs) or other county assistance after recent disputes over fire protection in Farmersville, warning that residents could face higher insurance costs or gaps in service if city agreements are withdrawn.

Richard Hill delivered public comment to the commissioners court and said he met with county officials — including Commissioner Daryl Hale and Deputy Administrator Russell Shaffner — to discuss the situation. Hill told the court that Farmersville’s actions had left residents concerned about insurance and response coverage and urged the county to act.

Hill said Farmersville’s fire chief told him that the city expects the county to fill funding gaps and that the city “just wants the county to come up with more money.” Hill said he would “much rather pay even up to 10¢ per 100 for protection than have my life in danger and have my insurance premium increased by 50 to 100%.”

Hill described ESD formation as difficult and time‑consuming, noting that a city could block an ESD in its extraterritorial jurisdiction and that establishing a district could take about two years, creating an interim coverage problem. He suggested the county could use grants as leverage to persuade Farmersville to maintain agreements while new structures were organized, citing specific county grant commitments to Farmersville for Davis Street and park land as examples.

Hill said he posted a city manager’s letter on social media that he described as previously hidden from the public and that his post prompted a large turnout at Farmersville city hall. He also referenced Farmersville ISD, city manager Ben White and a chief he identified as Massey in urging the court to listen to local speakers and the fire chief’s perspective.

The comment period concluded without the court taking immediate action; commissioners did not announce a directive or formal response during public comment. Hill said he hopes county officials will provide guidance in follow‑up conversations.

Ending
Hill’s remarks urged urgent county involvement to prevent coverage gaps and to keep insurance affordable for affected residents; the court did not announce next steps during public comment but the topic was raised for future staff follow‑up and possible county consideration of ESDs or other mechanisms.