Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an Emergency Services District (ESD)?
A: An Emergency Services District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a School District, Library District or Hospital District.
Q: What does an ESD do?
A: Depending on the ESD’s creation documents, an ESD can provide fire protection, emergency medical services or both.
Q: How are ESDs created?
A: ESDs are crated through a “grassroots” effort:
A petition signed by at least 100 voters in the proposed district must be presented to the County Commissioners Court in the county (or counties) in which the ESD is intended to exist.
If the ESD is deemed feasible and necessary by the Commissioners Court, an election is called in which the voters in the proposed District must elect to create the District.
If a majority of the votes are cast in favor of creation, the District is created.
Q: How are ESDs governed?
A: A board of five commissioners governs ESDs. In most counties in Texas, the County Commissioners Court appoints the commissioners to two-year terms.
Q: How are ESDs funded?
A: ESDs are allowed to levy ad valorem (property) tax. The Texas Constitution states that ESDs may tax up to $0.10 per $100 of property valuation. The ESD’s creation documents establish the district’s initial tax rate.
ESDs may also collect sales tax, provided an election is held and voters approve this power. In Texas, 8.25% is the maximum allowed sales tax rate. The state collects 6.25%, leaving 2% available to eligible local jurisdictions, including ESDs. An ESD may collect anywhere from .125% to 2% of the local sales tax rate depending on availability and subject to voter approval.
ESDs are also allowed to bill for services provided, such as emergency medical services or fire protection, if it so chooses.
Q: How often do ESD boards meet?
A: By law, ESD boards must meet at least once a month. All meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act. ESDs must also comply with the Texas Public Information Act concerning open records requests and records retention.
Q: How do ESDs provide services to the public?
A: ESDs provide services in a variety of ways. Some ESDs chose to contract with an independent service provider, such as a fire department or an ambulance service. Other ESDs chose to function as the service provider themselves, taking on the role of overseeing the actual day-to-day management of the services.