Lavaca County votes to end shared EMS director MOU; effective Oct. 31, 2026

The Lavaca County Commissioners Court approved a motion on Sept. 11 to terminate the memorandum of understanding with Colorado County that provided a shared EMS director, with the MOU to end on Oct. 31, 2026. The motion was recorded as made by Precinct 3 and seconded by Precinct 4 and passed by voice vote.

The presiding County Judge framed the vote as necessary after months of discussion, saying the two counties have built strong, independent EMS operations and that the timing aligns with a resignation submitted by the joint director. “We have a beloved EMS director in chief who's in charge of 2 counties, and, when is the right time to part ways? When is the right time? It's never the right time,” the County Judge said, praising the chief’s statewide leadership and local achievements. The judge told the court that Colorado County had voted the previous day to end the MOU and that Lavaca County was following suit.

Why it mattered: Commissioners said the move reflects a period of growth in both counties and the goal of having a director who lives in — and responds quickly within — each county. The court’s action formalizes the end of the shared arrangement and sets administrative dates that will guide transition tasks, payroll and personnel planning ahead of the Oct. 31 effective date.

The action appears intended to ensure continuity: commissioners noted cross-training and operational work that allow each county to operate independently apart from the director role. The court set related personnel and budget matters to be addressed during the Sept. 15 budget and tax-rate hearings.