A closer look
There are more than 30 emergency services districts in Harris County, and ESD 9 is the largest in the state, said Justin Reed, assistant chief of emergency medical services, at an Aug. 1 Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce event.
This governmental entity receives sales tax revenue and local property tax revenue to fund operations, including both fire and emergency medical services in Cy-Fair. Reed said ESD 9 has the lowest property tax rate in Harris County and the surrounding area at $0.04436 per $100 valuation.
By the numbers
The Cy-Fair Fire Department:
- Has 13 fire stations throughout the district
- Covers 164 square miles
- Serves a community that has about 640,000 residents
David Langenberg and Bevin Gordon serve in the two positions that will be on the ballot this fall. Langenberg was first elected in 2016; Gordon, who was set to be on the November 2020 ballot, was appointed that August after another commissioner stepped down.
This election was initially scheduled to take place in May, but commissioners voted Dec. 21 to move it to November as part of the general election when voter turnout is typically higher. At the time, officials estimated the election would cost about $625,000.
ESD 9 commissioners serve four-year terms. The last election was held in May 2022, when Naressa MacKinnon, Kevin Stertzel and Robert Paiva won their respective seats on the board. Their seats will be open in 2026.
Community Impact previously reported the department is planning to expand with about eight new fire stations and more staff over the next several years. Commissioners said their financial reserves will help fund the new stations, which could cost about $118 million.
Get involved
The deadline to file for a place on the ballot is Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. Candidates must be residents of property owners within the district.
Learn more about how to apply for a place on the ballot either in person or by mail here.
The two candidates who earn the most votes will win the two seats up for election.
Early voting will take place Oct. 21-Nov. 1, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
