Sales and Use Tax Election
November 4, 2025 Election– Proposition A
On November 4, 2025, residents of Ellis County served by Emergency Services District (ESD) 9 will have the opportunity to vote to adopt a sales tax rate of 8.25%. The current sales tax rate in the ESD 9 service area is 6.25%, compared to 8.25% within the city limits of Palmer. If approved, the measure would generate an additional 2% in local revenue to support emergency services, equipment upgrades and response times within ESD 9.
Proposition A Ballot
“ELLIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 9 ELECTION TO ADOPT A LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX WITHIN THE DISTRICT
PROPOSITION A
THIS IS A TAX INCREASE
The adoption of a local sales and use tax in Ellis County Emergency Services District No. 9 at a rate not to exceed two (2%) percent in any location in the District. Each voter may vote for or against the proposition by placing an “X” in the square beside the word “FOR” or in the square beside the word “AGAINST.”
Vote Centers
Residents can vote at the following locations linked:
ESD 9 Supports a Growing Community
Ellis County has experienced rapid growth of over 50,000 people over the last five years, which has placed increasing demands on local emergency services. As the population and development in ESD 9 has continued to increase, the volume of emergency calls has risen steadily. However, current resources have not expanded at the same pace, leading to longer response times and increased strain on the volunteer first responders.
In addition, the rising costs of fire equipment have placed additional pressure on ESD 9’s budget. These increased expenses have made it more challenging for ESD 9 to maintain the level of service the community needs.
Funding ESD 9
Additional funding could help reduce emergency response times, upgrade equipment, and improve overall public safety. With a more stable source of revenue, ESD 9 may begin long-term planning to increase staffing, enhancing emergency response capabilities and firefighter safety.
Increased revenue could also support efforts to improve ESD 9’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which currently stands at an 8. This rating can affect homeowners’ insurance premiums, often making premiums higher. The ISO evaluates fire protection services on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst. It considers three primary factors: fire alarm and communication systems, fire department resources like staffing, equipment, and training, and the water supply system. By strengthening fire protection services, ESD 9 may be able to improve its ISO rating, potentially lowering insurance costs for residents.
FAQs
1. How can the ESD generate additional revenue?
In Texas, the state collects $0.0625 (6.25%) on every dollar spent, while local government entities are permitted to collect up to $0.02 (2%), bringing the state maximum to $0.0825 (8.25%) to support community services.
By implementing a sales tax increase of up to 2%, ESD 9 could broaden its funding base beyond local property owners. This would allow visitors and travelers who pass through the community—and who also rely on emergency services—to contribute to sustaining these resources.
2. What is the current sales tax rate?
The current sales tax rate is 6.25% outside the city limits of Palmer. A proposed sales tax increase could raise the sales tax up 2% in the areas outside of Palmer, bringing the total sales tax rate to 8.25%, the same as inside Palmer city limits.
3. What is the estimated revenue with a proposed sales tax increase?
If the proposed 2% is approved, the estimated revenue is $28,762 per year.
4. Where is the station within ESD 9?
165 South Sherman Street, Palmer, Texas 75152
5. How is ESD 9 currently funded?
ESD 9 currently operates on income collected through ad valorem property taxes at a rate of $0.10 per $100 of property valuation. For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the budget was based on $749,904 in revenue. This sole revenue source is insufficient to meet the increasing demands and growing needs of ESD 9.
6. What are current response times like?
Because the station is not staffed full-time and relies on volunteer firefighters responding from home, response times are longer than the state average. The city average is 7.5 minutes and 12 minutes in the county.
