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What Brewster County’s proposed Emergency Services District No.2 would pay for and who would pay
Summary
Petitioners and supporters said ESD No.2 would fund EMT/paramedic positions, vehicles, equipment and administration; proposed tax language references Article 3, Section 48(e) of the Texas Constitution and petitioners estimated operating costs could exceed $1 million.
Supporters at the June 30 hearing said the proposed Emergency Services District No.2 would finance personnel, vehicles, equipment and administrative costs necessary to maintain reliable EMS and fire response in northern Brewster County.
Petitioner Reagan Stone gave specific examples: a levy of up to 10¢ per $100 of property value (as presented in petition materials cited by speakers) and an example that a $250,000 home could see roughly $250 per year while other speakers offered higher household estimates depending on appraisal values. Mark Rose and other supporters pointed to larger operating needs, saying total system costs could be "well over $1,000,000" after subsidies ended. Proponents said dedicated ESD revenue would be earmarked for emergency services and could not be repurposed by future commissioners.
The court’s read order cites constitutional authority for tax limits and the petition materials attached to the order list district boundaries and required notice steps. If voters approve the district, the board and county will need to finalize tax rates, exemptions, and any indigent-care policies during district formation.
