Election Information

November 7th, 2023 Election Information

SPECIAL ELECTION ON THE ISSUE OF ADOPTION BY THE DISTRICT OF A SALES AND USE TAX PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 775, HEALTH & SAFETY CODE

At a meeting held on August 9, 2023, by the Board of the Williamson County Emergency Services District No 8, the following was approved for inclusion on the ballot, and for citizens to vote for or against:

Proposition A:

"The adoption of a local sales and use tax in Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 8 at the rate of two percent."

What is a sales and use tax?

Texas imposes a 6.25% state sales and use tax on all retail sales, leases and rentals of mostgoods, as well as taxable services. Local taxing jurisdictions (cities, counties, special purposedistricts and transit authorities) can also impose up to 2 percent sales and use tax for amaximum combined rate of 8.25 percent.

Open House Wednesday, October 18th
Thank you to those who came to learn more!

Click to view the digital version of the boards presented at the open house.

Voting Schedule and Locations

Early Voting

Monday, Oct 23 – Saturday, Oct. 28 (8:00 am – 6:00 pm)

Sunday, Oct. 29 (12:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

Monday, Oct. 30 – Friday, Nov. 3 (7:00 am – 7:00 pm)


Election Day

Tuesday, Nov. 7 (7:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Polling Locations

FAQ

  • Why is ESD 8 important for our community?

    ESD 8 is essential for safeguarding lives, property, and the community's well-being. Their multifaceted roles extend beyond firefighting to encompass emergency medical services, disaster response, public education, and more, making them a cornerstone of community safety and resilience.

  • What services does ESD 8 provide to our community?

    ESD 8 responds to emergencies around the clock, including fires, medical situations, accidents, and other dangers. They also educate the Georgetown community on fire safety, public safety during natural disasters, and ensure economic stability.

  • How is The Georgetown Fire Department connected to ESD 8?

    ESD 8 and the City of Georgetown Fire Department collaborate under an interlocal agreement, combining resources and fire stations for maximum efficiency. An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a local government entity established by public vote to provide Texas fire protection and emergency medical services. This agreement allows ESD 8 and Georgetown Fire to operate effectively by sharing resources and stations.

  • How are ESDs typically funded?

    Texas Emergency Services Districts (ESD) mainly fund their operations using property taxes and sales tax. Texas law allows ESDs to impose a maximum property tax rate of 10 cents per $100 of property value. Additionally, they can collect up to 2% of the sales tax, with a statewide limit of 8.25%.

  • How is ESD 8 currently funded?

    Currently, the only funding ESD 8 collects is 9.4 cents per 100 dollars of property taxes. 

  • Why is the Sales and Use tax being voted on now?

    In ESD 8, residents currently pay a 6.25% sales tax rate. Implementing a 2% sales and use tax would raise it to 8.25%, matching the rate in the City of Georgetown. Without this increase, ESD 8's budget reserve will be depleted by 2024, impacting local emergency services.

  • If approved, what would the Sales and Use Tax funding go towards?

    The funding will be used to buy life-saving equipment, improving safety in ESD 8. This investment will also help cut emergency response times. With our community growing fast, we urgently need three new fire stations, and some funds will go toward building them.

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