Consideration of renewal of fire protection services contract between Galveston County and Hitchcock Volunteer Fire Department, submitted by Legal Services Manager

This contract renewal formalizes the agreement between Galveston County and the Hitchcock Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) for fire protection services in unincorporated areas. The County will pay the VFD $22,500.00 annually for these services. The contract term is from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. The VFD is responsible for its own operations and agrees to make reasonable efforts to respond to calls. The County reserves the right to audit the VFD's financial records related to these funds. The VFD must also comply with five key contract requirements, including maintaining an active training program, carrying appropriate insurance, submitting annual reports on responses and finances, actively participating in the County Association, and implementing firefighter safety protocols.