Stacey Kemp, County Clerk | Dallas voice
Collin County is considering the creation of an Emergency Services District (ESD) to address fire and ambulance service needs in unincorporated areas. The county currently contracts with municipal and volunteer fire departments for these services, allocating around $2 million annually.
In late 2023 and 2024, the cities of Melissa, McKinney, and Farmersville announced plans to terminate their agreements with Collin County for providing fire protection. This prompted discussions about funding options for emergency services during a Commissioners Court meeting on November 11, 2024.
The ESD is a mechanism under Texas law designed to provide such services in unincorporated areas through a property tax on residents within the district. Currently, over 350 ESDs operate across Texas. These districts are grassroots organizations created by citizens who gather signatures and submit a petition to the County Judge.
On February 24, 2025, Collin County Commissioners Court accepted an ESD petition. A public hearing is scheduled for July 21, 2025. Notices have been sent to various cities asking for consent regarding their extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) inclusion in the proposed ESD. Cities have 60 days from receiving the notice to respond.
The timeline leading up to this includes key dates such as February 6, when the petition was received by the County Judge, and November 4, set as election day for deciding on the ESD's creation.
Citizens residing outside ETJs are encouraged to participate in the public hearing and vote on November 4. Those within excluded ETJs may appeal or opt-out before June 6.
The proposed ESD would fund its operations through property taxes capped at $0.10 per $100 valuation and a voter-approved sales tax up to $0.02 in unincorporated areas. The initial tax rate will be set by Collin County Commissioners Court.
"Collin County is statutorily prohibited from advocating for or against the creation of the ESD," according to information provided by county officials. Instead, they may offer resources like informational websites but cannot use funds for advocacy purposes.
Five commissioners appointed by Collin County Commissioners Court will govern the ESD board. They must own land within the district and serve staggered two-year terms.
The district aims to contract existing city and volunteer fire departments rather than establish new ones or run its ambulance service directly.
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