ESD 8 is the taxing entity responsible for overseeing fire and medical emergency services in the area. It ensures that residents in rural areas outside of the City of Georgetown receive high-quality emergency response from the Georgetown Fire Department.

Over the last 10 years, the greater Georgetown area has experienced a 250% increase in emergency calls. Coupled with the area’s rapid population growth and rising costs of critical equipment like fire engines, ESD 8 can no longer cover its baseline expenses through property taxes alone.

ESD 8 and the Georgetown Fire Department cannot maintain the current level of service and response times for emergency calls would likely increase without additional funding. The lack of sufficient funding affects all residents, even those close to a station, because crews are frequently responding to multiple emergencies at the same time. 

Yes. The majority of emergency services districts that border ESD 8 collect up to 2% in sales and use taxes. This includes the ESDs that support Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell and Hutto.

According to State law, the 2% local tax would not apply to the sale of a motor vehicle. The State assesses a tax of 6.25% on most motor vehicle sales. The local 2% sales tax would only apply to vehicle maintenance, repair, and accessory sales. More information can be found by visiting the Texas Comptroller website.

Revenue from the sales and use tax would support ESD’s 10-year plan, which includes the construction of up to three new fire stations, as well as new equipment, fire engines and additional staff. The proposed stations would reduce response times across the ESD and could also reduce home insurance costs for nearby residents.

Visit search.wcad.org to enter your name or address. After selecting your property, scroll to “2024 Entities and Exemptions.” If you are a resident of the district, “F08-Wmsm ESD #8” will appear in this section.