Corpus Christi Fire Department is proposing that the city department absorb the Nueces County Emergency Services District #2 in Padre Island and Flour Bluff.
Corpus Christi Chief Robert Rocha spoke with the ESD#2 Board of Commissioners Tuesday about the proposal, 3 News reports.
The issue, as the chief explained it, is that ESD#2 district residents pay for both the city fire service as well as ESD #2, and many feel they are being taxed twice for fire services.
Under the proposal, the city would hire many of the ESD firefighters. However, new positions would only be available to firefighters aged 19 to 35, meaning roughly 40% of the ESD department would lose their firefighting jobs.
Some residents, meanwhile, spoke out against the plan because, they say, ESD 2 fills a gap not currently covered by Corpus Christi. Closing it, they say, would reduce service and increase response times.
The measure will likely go before voters if any change is to happen, 3 News reports.
