"We are exceptionally grateful for the confidence the community has shown throughout this process," District Administrator Doug Fowler said. "Our message was simple, and I believe that was a major factor in this election."
Support for the proposition led by a 65% margin. The proposition received 4,768 votes in favor and 2,558 in opposition.
"While we cannot publish or accept the results until the election is officially canvassed and accepted by the board, the community support was evident to us when the polls closed on Saturday, and we are very appreciative," Fowler said.
As Hays County faces rapid community growth, the number of calls the district has to respond to has increased over the past 10 years. With this growth comes the need for funding additional stations, ambulances and employees, district officials said.
The district collects a property tax of $0.03 per $100 valuation. The proposition on the ballot did not raise the tax rate, but rather the maximum available tax rate the district can ask voters for, which is $0.10 per $100 valuation.
The district's next step after this election is to update financial projections and build a draft budget for the North Hays County ESD Board to review.
"If that budget requires funding above the current $0.03 [per] $100 valuation, we will call another election and ask for voter approval to increase our ad valorem," Fowler said.
All results are unofficial until canvassed. Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to see results from all elections in your community.
