A Message to the Citizens of Crandall
From Kaufman County ESD #7 | July 2026
The City of Crandall used to have its own volunteer fire department. After that department ended, the city made an agreement with Kaufman County ESD #7 to provide fire and emergency services until September 30, 2026.
On June 15, 2026, the City Council met behind closed doors and authorized the City Manager to look into a contract with the City of Seagoville for these services. At the same time, the Council voted against annexation into Kaufman County ESD #7.
Tonight, Monday, July 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., the City of Seagoville will present to the Crandall City Council at the Crandall Municipal Building (104 E. Trunk Street). This choice could affect every resident, business, and student in Crandall for many years to come. We ask you to attend the meeting and share your views during public comment.
Why Work with Kaufman County ESD #7?
Kaufman County ESD #7 was created to deliver strong fire and emergency services to the communities we serve. We follow a clear, long-term plan that focuses on growth, careful spending of taxpayer money, and steady improvement in public safety.
Right now we keep five trained firefighters on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. Our current equipment includes two fire engines, two brush trucks, and a squad vehicle.
Starting October 1, 2026, we will begin moving to a career fire department. We will hire our first full-time firefighters and add more part-time staff. Daily staffing will grow from five people to seven. This is only the first step in a larger plan to serve Crandall better.
In the coming months we plan to:
• Start construction on a new fire station that will serve the Heartland area.
• Break ground on a new headquarters and regional training center near South FM 148 and the new FM 148 Bypass.
• Take delivery in early 2027 of two new fire engines and one ladder truck. This will greatly expand what we can do during major emergencies.
• Continue adding staff and equipment as our growth plan moves forward.
Kaufman County ESD #7 is not simply selling a service to Crandall. We are investing directly in your community for the long term. New stations, new firefighters, and new trucks will improve safety here for decades. These improvements can also help lower insurance rates for homes and businesses over time.
Why Does This Choice Matter?
This choice is about more than who answers the next 911 call. It is about who will build and maintain good emergency services for your children and grandchildren.
If the city hires another town to provide the service, firefighters from outside Crandall may respond from the local station. That can create extra challenges with command, training, knowing the local streets and buildings, and working with the community. Our current team already knows Crandall neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and water systems very well. Keeping that local knowledge helps everyone respond faster and smarter.
Crandall schools would also benefit from one steady local partner for fire prevention education, safety planning, and emergency drills instead of coordinating with multiple different agencies.
Crandall is growing quickly. Having one local team that is committed to staying and investing here makes the most sense for the future.
Our Plan for the Future
Kaufman County ESD #7 plans ahead. We have a clear roadmap that includes more firefighters on duty, new fire stations, better training facilities, updated equipment, and stronger response capabilities for this fast-growing part of Texas.
This is a lasting commitment to keep Crandall safe now and in the years ahead.
Our Promise to You
Earlier this year, we asked the city for property value information so we could prepare a formal offer to keep providing services. We have told city leaders that we can structure any contract so residents pay no more than they would under annexation into the ESD. The current ESD rate is $0.0880 for every $100 of taxable property value. All of the money would stay right here in the community, paying for stations, staff, and equipment that protect Crandall.
Our mission is simple: deliver the highest level of fire protection and emergency services possible while building a stronger, safer future for every citizen we serve.
Please take time to learn more about our plan, come to the City Council meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Crandall Municipal Building, and let your voice be heard. The future of emergency services in Crandall belongs to the people who live here.
For more information and our full strategic plan, visit www.kaufmancountyesd7.com.
Kaufman County ESD #7 •
www.kaufmancountyesd7.com • Serving Crandall and the surrounding community