The service Dallas Fire & EMS provides citizens cost taxpayers about $1.21 per $1,000 of assessed value.
To meet service levels the Dallas City Council approved in the 2016 fire master plan, the figure would have to increase to $2.65 per $1,000. The rate includes building a substation, training facility and upgrading the existing station, adding personnel, and additional operating costs associated with more facilities and staff.
Dallas Fire Chief Fred Hertel proposed a utility fee or operating levy to cover hiring the personnel needed to achieve those goals. He said EMS, which takes 80 percent of the department’s calls, is already stretched too thin.
Dallas’ ambulances cover 240-square miles.