Voters living in Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD9) on May 3 overwhelmingly cast their ballots in favor of a sales tax measure that promises to fund the operation and improvement of fire and emergency services in the county, now and into the future. “The support for this measure is a testament to the importance that those living in our community place on the services we support and coordinate,” said Michael Garcia, President of the ESD9 Board of Commissioners. “What this represents is an investment in the future of crucial services in the ESD9 area. Especially as Williamson County continues to grow and thrive, the importance of maintaining and upgrading these services cannot be overstated." The sales tax measure authorizes ESD9 to receive up to 2% in local sales and use tax in all areas in which the rate had not already been set at the state maximum of 8.25%. The revenue from this measure will go directly to the strategic planning of fire and emergency services in the area, the purchase and maintenance of cutting-edge equipment, and the proactive training of fire and emergency personnel – empowering these responders with the resources they need so that residents receive the highest level of fire protection. Read the full press release on PR Newswire: 👉 Williamson County ESD 9 Voters Support Investment in Future of Fire, EMS Services

The Board of Commissioners of Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (WCESD 9) has placed a sales and use tax proposition (Proposition A) on the ballot for the upcoming election on Saturday, May 3, 2025. If approved by voters, this proposition would allow the District to collect up to 2% of the local sales and use tax in areas that have not yet reached the state’s maximum rate of 8.25%. The funds raised would be used to support emergency services and meet the growing needs of the District as the county continues to grow. 🗳️ Election Day : Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Early voting was completed April 21–29, 2025. Addressing Emergency Services Needs in a Growing Williamson County As one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, Williamson County is placing increasing demands on its emergency response systems. A local sales and use tax provides a way to help fund essential emergency services without increasing property tax rates. This approach supports long-term financial sustainability for WCESD 9 while continuing to meet the public safety needs of the community. How Sales Tax Funds Will Be Used The revenue from the sales tax would go towards: Meeting Rising Demand for Emergency Services : Williamson County has grown by approximately 20%, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. As development expands beyond city limits into rural areas, the need for well-coordinated emergency services increases. Enhancing Wildland and Search & Rescue Resources : A modernized regional approach to wildland firefighting and search and rescue operations improves response times and interagency coordination. Mitigating Risks in Wildland and Greenbelt Areas : Extended droughts and severe weather events have heightened fire risks for property owners. For details on polling locations, FAQs, ballot language, and more, visit our Elections page: https://www.wilcoesd9.org/election-information To learn more about the proposed sales tax measure and its impact on local emergency services, read Community Impact's coverage here: https://communityimpact.com