Maverick County Explores Fire and EMS Options for Rural Communities
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The Maverick County Commissioners Court discussed alternatives for improving fire protection and emergency medical services in rural communities during its Wednesday, November 4, 2026 meeting, including an emergency services district, additional stations and private ambulance providers.
Grants Department Director Isaak Ruiz initiated the discussion, citing the distances emergency crews must travel from Eagle Pass to reach residents outside the city.
Ruiz praised the Eagle Pass Fire Department but said responses to some rural locations could take 20 to 30 minutes. He emphasized that his concern involved reducing travel times and placing resources closer to county residents.
Options included a nonprofit volunteer fire department, a career department employing full-time firefighters, an emergency services district and contracting with another provider.
Commissioner Olga Ramos suggested initially considering two stations, one serving northern Maverick County and another serving southern communities. A northern station could potentially be located between Eagle Pass and Quemado to improve coverage.
Ruiz referenced a recent house fire in the Quemado area while stressing the importance of examining rural emergency needs.
Court members supported further research and discussed whether existing county buildings could accommodate emergency personnel and equipment. Commissioner Roxi Rios identified a potentially available facility within her precinct.
Officials acknowledged that developing services would take time and require reliable funding for personnel, equipment, facilities and operations. They encouraged examining federal and state grants to help support the effort.
Private ambulance services were also considered.
Judge Pablo Garcia said officials had contacted vendors during previous negotiations with Eagle Pass over fire and EMS coverage. One contractor serving other communities had expressed interest in providing services in Maverick County, but those conversations did not result in an agreement.
Commissioners suggested exploring whether competitive bidding could produce a more affordable arrangement.
The discussion also addressed county payments for emergency services and insurance reimbursements collected for ambulance calls.
Officials said they had requested reimbursement information and dispatch records to determine how many calls originated in the county. Some dispatch information had been received, although the discussion did not establish whether all requested records were provided by the City of Eagle Pass.
County officials identified an emergency services district as an option deserving additional study.
Under Chapter 775 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, a district is a separate governmental entity that may hire personnel, acquire facilities and equipment, and contract for emergency services. Creation requires a petition process, a public hearing, commissioners court consideration and an election.
The Texas Constitution allows these districts to provide fire protection, emergency medical and ambulance services, with a voter-approved property tax of up to 10 cents per $100 of taxable value. At that maximum rate, property with a taxable value of $100,000 would incur an annual district tax of $100.
Officials said research into available service models was underway, with the county’s financial constraints remaining central to any future proposal.
The discussion reflected support for exploring alternatives to improve rural response times. No final action establishing a department, creating a district or selecting a provider or any other actions were taken.
