Rep. Isaac’s Statement on Hays County Emergency Services District Proposals

Dripping Springs — Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) has announced his opposition to the creation of Hays County Emergency Services District (ESD) #9 in eastern Hays County, including San Marcos and Kyle, and expansion of ESD #7 in San Marcos. The proposals, if passed by voters on November 8, would levy a new tax, resulting in higher property taxes.

“Our community depends on reliable emergency medical services — and we are fortunate to have some truly outstanding EMS professionals serving us — but creating more and more compartmentalized government and higher property taxes is not the right answer,” Rep. Isaac said. “The fact is, Hays County residents already pay too much in property taxes, and they certainly don’t need to pay more for the services they already receive. Even a few cents adds up, especially for families who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Voters will have the opportunity to vote on these proposals at the November 8 election, with early voting October 24-November 4. Taxpayers affected already receive emergency medical services, despite the fact that they don’t live within an ESD or pay ESD taxes. And because Hays County subsidizes one of the current EMS providers, residents who do live in an ESD pay more for the same services.

Instead of a patchwork of taxing districts, Rep. Isaac plans to work with county officials towards a single county-wide ESD system that would keep existing leadership and EMT staff while streamlining operations, thereby saving taxpayer dollars. This system would also allow voters to hold elected leaders accountable for the services they receive. ESDs are currently run by unelected board members.

“It’s important to read up on all items on the ballot, including Hays County’s proposed bonds, but I want to draw voters’ attention to these proposals in particular for two reasons,” Rep. Isaac continued. “First, they will result in yet another property tax and therefore higher taxes overall, and second, they will cede control to an unelected board who won’t be accountable to the voters.

“I’m urging all affected by this proposal to vote against the creation of ESD #9 and expansion of ESD #7. I believe Hays County should work together to create a more efficient, more accountable, and more fiscally responsible EMS system,” Rep. Isaac said.

Maps of the proposed changes are available at www.isaacfortexas.com.

Representing Blanco and Hays counties, Rep. Isaac has served House District 45 in the Texas Legislature since 2011. He is a member of the Economic and Small Business Development, Environmental Regulation and Local and Consent Calendars committees and is chair of the Subcommittee on Small Business. He lives in Drippings Springs with his wife, Carrie, and two sons.