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Election results are in, and all 17 State of Texas propositions on the ballot passed. In Hays County, there are 189,688 registered voters, and 37,246 votes were cast, adding up to 19.6% of registered voters. Those votes were split nearly 50 / 50 between early voting and Election Day voting.
For voters in Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Henly, there was one other proposition on the ballot - an ad valorem tax for North Hays County Emergency Services District 1 (NHCESD). That measure passed with approximately 60% of the vote.
According to the NHCESD website, the approved rate change is from $0.03 to $0.05 per $100 valuation. On a $100,000 home, this would equal an annual increase of $16.51.
Prior to the increase, NHESD No. 1 had the lowest ESD tax rate in Hays County by two cents. Even after the increase, the tax rate still remains below the county average and well under the rates charged by neighboring counties. According to NHCESD, in 2024, all ESDs in Blanco and Caldwell counties had a tax rate of $0.10 per $100 valuation, and adjacent ESDs in Travis County had a tax rate ranging between $0.075 and $0.10 per $100 valuation.
NHESD No. 1 intends to use the funds to hire additional personnel and create a fourth shift. This need has arisen due to the increasing population of North Hays County and a corresponding increase in call volume. Adding a fourth shift should reduce the amount of overtime currently required of medics from 834 hours per year to closer to 300 hours per year, while maintaining 24/7 ambulance coverage in the service areas, keeping response times in line with standards, and maintaining equipment and ambulances.
