911 emergency response times could be affected in parts of El Paso County due to fire contract dispute

EL PASO, Texas -- A contract dispute between El Paso County's Emergency Services Department and volunteer firefighters could affect response time for 9-1-1 calls in portions of the county.

ESD #2 terminated the existing contract with the volunteer firefighters who cover unincorporated areas of the county - including Montana Vista, Fabens, Clint, Socorro, San Elizario and West Valley.

Those volunteers have 90 days to sign the new contract.

The county said the new contract only changes one thing, forcing volunteer fire departments to get county approval for spending funds needed for equipment.

But West Valley Fire Chief Bill Adler told ABC-7 that the new contract actually covers more than just financial approvals.

The one thing both sides agree on is that response times for county residents will be impacted if they would lose their volunteer forces.