By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A funding dispute between Sherman, Texas, and Grayson County officials is raising concerns about future fire and EMS responses in rural areas outside city limits.
• Sherman Fire Rescue handled about 8,500 calls in 2025, including roughly 600 responses in unincorporated areas of the county.
• Rural emergency responses are currently funded through a contract between the city and county, but the agreement’s long-term sustainability is being questioned.
• A proposed sales tax for unincorporated areas intended to support rural fire and EMS services was rejected by voters in 2025.
• Officials say they have until October to determine how rural emergency services will be funded going forward.
SHERMAN, TX — A funding dispute between Sherman city officials and Grayson County leaders is raising questions about how fire and EMS services will be funded for residents living outside the city limits.
The issue was discussed during a March 2 meeting of the Sherman City Council, where officials reviewed the future of a contract that allows Sherman Fire Rescue to provide emergency services in unincorporated areas of Grayson County.
Sherman Fire Rescue responded to about 8,500 calls in 2025, including approximately 600 incidents outside the city limits, according to officials. Those responses are currently funded through an agreement between the city and county, but the long-term sustainability of the arrangement has been called into question.
County leaders previously proposed establishing a new revenue source to support rural fire and EMS coverage through a sales tax in unincorporated areas. However, voters rejected the proposal in the fall of 2025, leaving the county without a dedicated funding mechanism.
City officials said Sherman is currently contributing about $30,000 per month toward the cost of rural emergency responses, but council members noted the arrangement may not be sustainable long term. Leaders are exploring other options, including adjusting service rates or contracting directly with rural residents for emergency coverage.
Officials said discussions are ongoing, with a deadline in October to determine how rural fire and EMS services will be funded moving forward.