The Bandera County Republican Women held their first meeting at their new location, Shepherd’s Gate Church on Polly Peak Drive, on Thursday, Sept. 4. Guest speakers were Precinct 1 County Commissioner Troy Konvicka and Pipe Creek Fire Chief Roy Heinrich.
Konvicka and Heinrich discussed county fire departments’ efforts to create emergency service districts (ESDs). The ESDs would differ from the volunteer fire departments currently in place, as they could levy up to 10 cents per $100 of property valuation in taxes for maintenance and operations. The county tax office would collect the additional revenue.
At present, all Bandera County volunteer fire departments depend on donations, fundraisers and grants for operational funding. No money from the county is designated for their upkeep.
Heinrich spoke about the costs of training and equipment for firefighters. Personal protective equipment alone can cost up to $10,000 per firefighter. He said volunteer departments often struggle to cover operational costs.
The creation of an ESD within a fire department’s service area would increase requirements and standards for those departments. Although the additional tax revenue would help, both speakers agreed there is “only so much an ESD can do.”
Currently, the Lake Hills Volunteer Fire Department and the Medina Volunteer Fire Department are the only departments considering the ESD system. “There are pluses and minuses to it,” Heinrich said.
A community meeting is scheduled Oct. 8 at the Medina Library to discuss a possible ESD vote for the Medina VFD service area.
Following the guest speakers, the Republican Women held their business meeting.
President Melanie Burns asked members to contribute to a donation jar for a gift to the church for allowing use of the fellowship hall. Burns also reported the group has 30 paid members.
Legislative Chair Rene Leith gave a report on the special legislative session and the state budget process. Political Action Chair Dede Skoglund asked members to look for sources of free yard and political signs.
The nominating committee for the 2026–28 Executive Board — Sharon Striegl, Liz Garcia and Sandi Clark — is seeking nominees for officer positions.
Only a few tickets remain for the Annual Scholarship Spaghetti Lunch on Friday, Sept. 19. Preparation will begin Thursday, Sept. 18, at 9 a.m. Burns praised Daphne Camden and Terri Martinez for “awesome determination” in selling 130 tickets for the fundraiser.
The location across from the courthouse is still available for a GOP/Republican Women Headquarters if the club chooses to sponsor it again.
The bylaws committee, consisting of Susan Junker and Leith, will report on its progress in October or November.
In new business, Burns announced an anonymous benefactor has chosen to cover the cost of room rental at the Flying L.
The Executive Board also recommended creating a new communications chair position. The chair would be allowed to post on social media after signing an agreement with the BCRW. The position must be added to the bylaws.
The next Bandera County GOP meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 11, at the BEC Community Room. The Republican Women will meet again Thursday, Oct. 2, at Shepherd’s Gate Church.
.png)
