ESD PURPOSE AND DEFINITION
Emergency Services Districts were created under the Texas Health and Safety Code as a means to better provide public funding for suburban and rural emergency service agencies.
The Emergency Services District is a political subdivision of the State with the power to impose a small property tax, own property needed for its functions, and enter into contracts
ESD BENEFITS
Better fire and emergency medical service (EMS) protection.
ESD tax revenue dollars are being used to hire full-time emergency personnel, or contract with other governments who have full-time fire and EMS organizations.
ESD tax revenue dollars can be used to purchase new equipment and facilities.
In other Texas Counties that have established an ESD, these practices have cut fire response times almost in half saving lives and property.
Volunteer Fire Departments do not have to focus as much on fund- raising. More time is available for training, resulting in better service.
Potential for lower property insurance rates
ESD COST
An Emergency Services District can levy a tax of up to ten cents per one hundred dollars of taxable property value ?– for an $80,000 home, that is an additional $80 per year.
IN SUMMARY
Emergency Services District will provide low cost, high quality fire and EMS protection for the residents of the district. Although none of us enjoy taxes, nowhere else can you get so much protection and peace of mind for so little money.