.png)
Today is Election Day. Residents of the Dripping Springs area can vote at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, Patriots' Hall (meeting hall and wellness center) and Hays County Precinct 4. Polls close at 7 p.m.
When going to the polls, in addition to the 17 State of Texas propositions on the ballot (related story here), Hays County voters will also see a proposition from Hays County Emergency Services District 1.
Here are some FAQS from their website about the proposition:
WHY IS THE DISTRICT ASKING FOR A TAX INCREASE?
The District’s call volume has grown due to ongoing population growth in North Hays County. More calls mean more demand for medics, ambulances, and staffing.
Currently, our crews operate on three shifts, which requires overtime to maintain coverage. Medics are working a minimum of 834 overtime hours per year. For comparison, the average household works about 280 overtime hours per year.
This level of overtime is not sustainable and can contribute to fatigue, burnout, and slower emergency response times.
The proposed tax increase will allow the District to hire enough additional personnel to create a fourth shift, reducing overtime to approximately 312 hours per year per medic while maintaining current service levels.
HOW DOES NHESD NO.1'S TAX RATE COMPARE TO OTHER DISTRICTS?
NHESD No. 1 currently has the lowest Emergency Services District tax rate in Hays County by 2 cents, with the average ESD tax rate in Hays County for 2024 being $0.08 per $100 valuation.
By comparison:
· In 2024, all ESDs in Blanco and Caldwell counties had a tax rate of $0.10 per $100 valuation.
· In 2024, adjacent ESDs in Travis County had a tax rate ranging between $0.075 and $0.10 per $100 valuation.
Even with the proposed increase to $0.05, NHESD No. 1 would still remain below the county average and well under the rates charged by neighboring counties.
WHAT WILL THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE FUND?
If approved, the increased tax rate will provide funding to:
· Hire additional medics to staff a fourth shift and reduce overtime
· Maintain 24/7 ambulance coverage in all service areas
· Ensure crews are rested and ready to respond
· Keep response times in line with national standards
· Maintain critical equipment and ambulances
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT MY TAXES?
The proposed rate change is from $0.03 to $0.05 per $100 valuation.
Example:
· A home with a taxable value of $500,000 would see an annual increase of about $100 (or $8.33 per month).
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PROPOSITION FAILS?
If voters do not approve the proposition on the November 4, 2025, ballot, the Board of Commissioners will be unable to implement the proposed property tax rate increase needed to hire additional personnel and create a fourth shift. Without this increase, medic overtime will remain at an average of 834 hours per year, above the 312 hours target, and the District will face challenges in maintaining response times and service levels. This could require dipping into existing capital reserves and potentially operating at a deficit, even without achieving the staffing and service improvements outlined above.
