North Hays Emergency Medical Services has not officially called for the election, but the last day to do so is Aug. 18.
The details
The North Hays EMS board adopted a proposed fiscal year 2025-26 tax rate of $0.05 per $100 valuation during an Aug. 12 meeting that included a public hearing on the tax rate.
The current tax rate stands at $0.03107 per $100 valuation. With the proposed increase, that's a 60.93% hike.
The proposed rate is greater than the voter-approval tax rate and the de minimis rate, triggering the need for voter approval.
Voters in the emergency service district will decide whether or not to approve the new rate during the November election. Election Day is Nov. 4.
North Hays EMS officials did not respond to questions regarding why they are seeking to increase taxes, as of 3 p.m. Aug. 14. This story will be updated once a response is received.
Keep in mind
North Hays EMS relies on property and sales taxes for revenues, as well as revenue streams from patient transports.
In April this year, North Hays EMS split from San Marcos Hays County EMS, partly due to the North Hays EMS board wanting taxpayer dollars to go into their service area, Chief Bob Luddy said in a previous interview with Community Impact.
Earlier this year, Luddy said he did not anticipate negative impacts on the budget due to the additional expenses needed to fund the transitional period.
For more information, visit www.northhayscountyesd1.org.
