Ellis County Emergency Service District (ESD) 9 Fiscal Overview
Who We Are and the Services We Provide
Ellis County Emergency Services District 9 (ESD 9), is a local governmental entity established to provide fire protection and emergency first responder services designated to cover the incorporated area of the City of Palmer and unincorporated areas outside the Palmer City limits. ESD 9 serves a growing population within its service boundaries, which includes communities surrounding the City of Palmer.
ESD 9 operates one fire station, proudly staffed by dedicated community volunteers. These individuals give their time and respond to emergencies when called from their home, ensuring neighbors receive assistance when it is needed.
ESD 9 is one of approximately 300 Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) across Texas, including 12 in Ellis County.
ESD 9 Supports a Growing Community
Ellis County has experienced rapid growth of over 50,000 people over the last five years, which has created strain on current 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 kept up with this growth, leading to longer response times and strain on the volunteer first responders.
In addition, the rising costs of fire equipment has stretched ESD 9’s budget. ESD 9 has struggled to maintain the level of service the community requires because of increased emergency services costs.
Funding ESD 9
Additional funding could help reduce emergency response times, upgrade equipment, and improve overall public safety. If ongoing revenue efforts succeed, ESD 9 may begin long-term planning to increase staffing, enhancing emergency response capabilities and firefighter safety.
Revenue increases 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.
Election Information
In November 2025, residents of Ellis County serviced by 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%, as compared to the current rate of 8.25% within the city limits of Palmer. The additional 2% in revenue can help fund emergency services within ESD 9, reduce emergency response times and upgrade equipment.
Where is the Station within ESD 9?
165 South Sherman Street, Palmer, Texas 75152
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.
What are current response times like?
Because the station has no staff on-site and depends 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.
How many emergency calls does ESD 9 handle yearly?
The district responds to roughly 500 calls each year. Call volumes are expected to rise as the community grows.
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.
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.
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.
