Community Impact sat down with Garcia and Forster to discuss the importance of ESDs, the resources needed to keep pace with rapid growth, and how small additional investments in the future will ensure that all residents continue to have access to high quality fire and emergency services. They also shared insights into the board’s unwavering commitment to protecting every member of the community.
What is an Emergency Service District and why is it important? How does an ESD work?
Garcia: The primary goal of an ESD is to provide timely emergency services, particularly in rural or underserved areas. In Williamson County, where municipalities manage services within city limits, ESD No. 9 fills the gaps for areas outside city boundaries. Established in 2006, our five member volunteer board coordinates fire and emergency services to ensure timely and effective support for all residents and property owners in our district.
Williamson County is growing at a rapid rate. What does this mean for residents of the county, as well as for the importance of the services provided by ESD No. 9?
Garcia: Over the past five years, Williamson County as a whole has grown by about 20%, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. This rapid growth extends beyond the cities into rural areas, increasing the demand for coordinated emergency services to ensure citizens receive timely responses. ESDs play a vital role in meeting these demands by working to ensure reliable service providers respond promptly to the community’s needs.
What are some of the new challenges that ESD No. 9 faces as the population of Williamson County grows?
Garcia: One of the biggest challenges is meeting the rising demand for emergency services caused by rapid population and infrastructure growth. It’s essential to ensure our services are adequate and that we respond to the needs of our citizens in a timely manner. For property owners within our boundaries, the ESD’s role is to verify that they receive quality emergency services when they need them. This involves coordinating efforts and contracting with exceptional service providers, including the Round Rock, Leander and Sam Bass Fire Departments, who are dedicated to meeting our community’s needs.
How does ESD No. 9 and the services it provides keep response times to a minimum?
Garcia: Every year, our ESD responds to over 1,800 calls, and with the community's rapid growth, call volume is increasing by more than 8% annually for our service providers. To meet these growing demands, the ESD focuses on strategic station placement, ongoing investments in fire and emergency medical equipment, and continuous training for emergency personnel.
How can residents learn more about the services provided by ESD No. 9?
Garcia: Residents can learn more about ESD No. 9 by visiting our website. The site provides a wealth of information, including details about the ESD, our boundaries, service providers, board members and various resources for community safety and emergency preparedness. For real time updates and events, residents can also follow our Facebook page.
Why is the sales tax proposal on this year's ballot important for ESD No. 9 and the county?
Forster: When Michael and I joined the board in 2006, our annual budget was about $1 million. Now it’s over $7 million, reflecting the increased demands on our services. On the next ballot, we’re proposing a 2% sales tax, specifically designed for entities like ESDs. Property taxes alone can’t cover the rising costs of emergency services, which often exceed the revenue we currently collect.
Residents can check if they’re within Williamson County ESD No. 9 boundaries by using the Williamson County Central Appraisal District map.
There are ESD conversations happening across the county, and the most prominent and controversial has been around Pflugerville. What are the details of this situation, and what can residents learn from this?
Garcia: Pflugerville, served by Travis County ESD No. 2, is a good example of residents recognizing the value of ESDs. In 2000, they voted for a small sales tax increase to fund emergency services. In November, Proposition A aimed to eliminate this funding, but residents overwhelmingly voted against it, understanding the impact it could have on services.
Forster: Property insurance is tied to the quality of fire and emergency services. Without good services, premiums can rise significantly. In Pflugerville, rates were expected to jump by 50%. Investing in quality services lowers insurance costs and protects home values. In areas with poor service, rates go up or insurance might not be available.
What are some of the activities that are planned for the community to engage with ESD No. 9 and its service providers?
Garcia: We’ll be offering plenty of opportunities for residents to connect with ESD No. 9, our board and our service providers. We’ll host tabling events and giveaways at selected locations. For more information and event details, visit our Facebook page or website.
Williamson County ESD No. 9 plays a vital role in ensuring community safety as the county continues to grow. By providing timely emergency services and advocating for essential resources, ESD No. 9 ensures residents receive reliable care. With a commitment to transparency and community engagement, the board remains focused on protecting the future of Williamson County.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
