Georgetown Emergency Services District Seeks Sales Tax Hike Again

Officials are once again asking voters to approve a sales tax increase in November to fund fire station construction for the rapidly growing Emergency Services District No. 8 around Georgetown.

Previous Attempts:

• November 2023: Defeated by 250 votes (46.8% support, 53.2% against)
• 2022: Defeated with 61% against
• 2007: Defeated with 78% against

Proposition A:

• Current sales tax: 6.25%
• Proposed sales tax: 8.25% (matching surrounding cities)
• Estimated annual revenue: $4 million
• Goal: Build five new fire stations over 10 years

Arguments for the Increase:

• Equitable tax burden for property owners
• Tourists and passersby contribute to emergency services
• Improved response times amidst rapid population growth

Area Served:

• 80 square miles around Georgetown (not including the city)
• Population: 35,000 to 45,000 (expected to double in 10 years)
• Communities include Teravista, Water Oak, Parkside on the River, and others

Consequences if Not Approved:

• Potential increase in response times over the next 10 years

Voting Details:

• Early voting begins Oct. 21
• Election Day is Nov. 5

Quotes:

• "After (last year's) election, we had a focus group meeting where we kept hearing that people had no idea what was going on," said Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan.
• "People can't expect response times to be 10 to 15 minutes if you are doubling the number of people and double the number of calls," Sullivan added.

Resistance:

• No organized resistance reported

Previous Inaccuracy:

• This story was updated to correct an earlier inaccuracy.