Securing Our Future with
Emergency Services.
Learn how the proposed Hunt County Emergency Services District No. 2 will provide dedicated funding to drastically improve emergency response, protect property, and save lives in our community.
What is an ESD?
An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a grassroots, local government entity created by voters to provide stable, dedicated funding for fire protection, emergency medical response, or both.
Unlike volunteer fire departments that rely heavily on unpredictable donations and fundraisers, an ESD guarantees a reliable budget. This means our local fire stations can afford the modern equipment, training, and personnel required to keep our growing community safe.
- Created by local voters, for local residents
- Funds stay 100% within the district boundaries
- Governed by an appointed board of local citizens
- Ensures reliable and rapid emergency response
Local Control
An ESD ensures that our tax dollars are managed locally, specifically to fund the emergency services that protect our own homes and families.
Community Benefits
Faster Response
Dedicated funding allows for better staffing and strategically placed equipment, drastically reducing the time it takes for help to arrive during an emergency.
Better Equipment
Replaces outdated, unsafe fire trucks and medical gear with modern, reliable equipment that our first responders need to do their jobs effectively.
Lower Insurance
Improved fire department ratings (ISO scores) due to better equipment and water access often lead to significantly lower homeowner insurance premiums.
A Smart Investment
Public safety isn't an expense; it's an investment. Establishing an ESD is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect the value of your property and the lives of your loved ones.
The minimal tax collected ensures that when you call 911, an equipped and trained professional will respond immediately. Furthermore, the savings you may see on your property insurance could offset the cost of the ESD tax altogether.
Predictable Funding
Moves first responders away from relying on bake sales and donations toward a stable, strategic annual budget.
Future-Proofing
As Hunt County grows, the ESD scales its services automatically to meet the rising demand for emergencies.
Texas ESD Success Stories
When communities across Texas choose to establish Emergency Services Districts, the results are overwhelmingly positive. Here are just a few examples of how ESDs have transformed local safety.
Drastically Cut Response Times
With dedicated funding from an ESD, communities like Spicewood (ESD No. 9) opened new stations and cut average response times from 25 minutes down to just 9 minutes.
Elite Fire Protection Ratings
By investing in better water supply operations and equipment, ESDs like Bexar County ESD No. 2 achieved an ISO Class 1 rating—a distinction held by less than 1% of departments nationwide, leading to lower property insurance premiums.
Solving Staffing Shortages
Instead of relying on overwhelmed volunteers, ESDs like Harris County ESD 11 provide competitive pay and modern equipment, permanently solving dangerous staffing shortages to ensure rapid response 24/7/365.
Proposed Coverage Area
The proposed Hunt County ESD 2 would serve the South Hunt County, Tawakoni South, and West Tawakoni Fire Districts, ensuring these vital regions have the emergency support they deserve.
Voter FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about Emergency Services Districts. Information referenced from the SAFE-D website.
Depending on the ESD’s creation documents, an ESD can provide fire protection, emergency medical services or both.
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. They may also collect sales tax with voter approval, and bill for services provided.
A board of five commissioners governs ESDs. In most counties in Texas, the County Commissioners Court appoints the commissioners to two-year terms. They are an independent governmental entity, not an extension of the county's government.
Unless the ESD falls under an exception, ESDs are required by law to file an audit with their County Commissioners Court by June 1 of each year. They must also meet at least once a month in open meetings subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act.