Growth in the Buda area is allowing the Emergency Service District No. 8 to broaden its ranks and equipment.
Earlier this month, ESD 8, which is the Buda Fire Department (BFD), hired three new firefighters as a result of “internal operational changes,” said Clay Huckaby, ESD 8 chief.
Huckaby said the growth in Buda and the surrounding area has made it possible to add the three new positions. Revenue generated from 792 new homes in the past year is going toward the new positions.
Buda’s fire department is funded through a property tax rate and a sales tax rate. ESD 8’s property tax rate is $.0958 per $100 valuation.
The hiring of additional firefighters, however, is not a result of a shortage in personnel, but is to ensure operations run smoothly. Huckaby said his job has become more administrative than operational at this time.
“We’re not really having a shortage,” Huckaby said, “We’re just trying to make some operational changes internally to make things run smoother.”
“We’re not really having a shortage ... We’re just trying to make some operational changes internally to make things run smoother.” Clay Huckaby, ESD 8 chief
ESD 8 currently has a staff of 36 paid firefighters and five administrative positions. ESD 8 covers 75 square miles that extends west to the Rutherford Ranch near Driftwood, and as far east as the Niederwald city limits. North and southboundares are the Hays County line to the Kyle city limits.
Buda Fire’s current personnel is a far cry from the days when the department was volunteer only.
Buda’s fire department was volunteer based until Jan. 1, 2005. In 2007, the department’s staff consisted of only 12 to 15 firefighters.
The department has also tried to keep up with the growth by updating its fleet.
BFD has three fire engines in service; the department’s first ladder truck will arrive by the end of September or beginning of October. Later this year, Buda will also roll out a new $500,000 ladder truck, another sign of growth.
Brand new ladder trucks can run as high as $1.3 million. Huckaby said they were able to find one that will cost approximately $500,000 after modifications.
The new ladder truck was acquired based on additional hotels, businesses and homes in the area.
“The timing is right and it’s needed,” Huckaby said.
Huckaby said he feels the department is right on track in keeping up with growth and demand in the area.
There are also plans for a feasibility study for the construction of a new Main Street fire station. Buda’s current facility, located near the intersection of Main Street and FM 2770, has had flooding issues in the past.
“We’re looking at the possibility of breaking ground on a new main station in 18 months to three years,” Huckaby said.
