Safety Grows with Us.

An Emergency Services District (ESD) ensures reliable fire and EMS protection for our growing community. Together, we can build a safer, faster, and stronger emergency response for Andrews, Texas.

See the Benefits

video by: Drew Mayfield

What is an Emergency Services District (ESD)?

An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a school district or a hospital district, created under Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 775 and Chapter 776, to provide reliable funding for urban, suburban, and rural emergency services organizations. ESDs are funded primarily from property taxes that are voter-approved. As communities grow, ESDs help maintain public safety by offering consistent, well-funded emergency services tailored to local needs.

Growth and Need in Andrews

The population doubled from 2010–2020, now over 20,000.
Growth has brought new housing, businesses, and major projects: Andrews ISD facilities (~$100M), $9M apartment complex, and a new United Grocery.
400–600 new homes are planned in the next 3–5 years, with county developments possibly doubling that.
TXDOT counts show 7,000–9,000 vehicles pass daily between Midland–Odessa, the oilfields, and New Mexico.
A national oilfield company is investing ~$12M in a new facility and equipment, with more business expansion expected.

Andrews Emergency Medical Services

Established: Established in 1970, emergency medical services were provided by the Andrews Police Department.
Staffing: Currently, Andrews EMS has four MICU-capable ambulances in service with a total of 14 employees. A total of 4 employees staff the station 24 hours a day, along with personnel assistance from the Andrews Police Department.
Funding: Funded by the Permian Regional Medical Center (over $2.7 million annually).
Facilities: Operates from a modern station in town.
Response: Serves 20,000 residents and 1,500 sq miles with four licensed medical personnel on duty at all times.
Service Volume: Andrews EMS provides 911 services as well as inter-facility transports from PRMC to other area hospitals. In 2024, EMS was dispatched to approximately 1,400 calls.

Andrews Volunteer Fire Department

Established: Established in 1945, the department has a long-standing history of service to the community.
Staffing: Staffed by 45 members and equipped with approximately two dozen emergency vehicles and support apparatus.
Funding: Funded jointly by the City of Andrews and Andrews County, with an annual operating budget of approximately $750,000.
Facilities: Operates from a modern fire station located on the south side of town.
Response: Serves 20,000 residents and 1,500 sq miles.
Service Volume: Responds to approximately 500 emergency calls annually, providing critical fire protection and support services.

Why does an ESD make sense for Andrews?

Establishing an ESD with a combination of fire department (paid and volunteer staff) and EMS would help streamline operations, reduce administrative expenses, and eliminate service duplication.
A 2022 study by The Perryman Group found that Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) in Texas provide services at a significantly lower cost—often 30% to 50% less per capita—compared to municipal governments.
Notably, more than 75% of Andrews County’s tax base is derived from the oil and gas industry. As a result, the majority of the ESDs funding would be supported by industrial revenue rather than by homeowners or small businesses.
If approved by voters in November, it will take approximately three to five years for the ESD to become fully operational. Proactive action today is essential to ensure that fire protection and emergency medical services grow in step with Andrews’ expanding population and future needs.

How does an ESD Affect You?

This election will seek to create an ESD with a property tax of $0.10 per $100 evaluated property value. Essentially, a home valued at $200,000 would owe $200, or roughly $16 a month, in property taxes.
This election will NOT seek voter approval for a sales tax levy.

ESD FAQs

Property Tax Impact Calculator

Enter your assessed property value to estimate the annual ESD tax at the maximum rate.

Estimated annual ESD tax: $0.00

Note: This calculator estimates the maximum allowed rate. Actual rates, exemptions, and individual assessments may vary.

ESD FAQs

ESDs are crated through a “grassroots” effort. A petition signed by at least 100 voters in the proposed district must be presented to the County Commissioners’ Court in the county (or counties) in which the ESD is intended to exist. If the ESD is deemed feasible and necessary by the Commissioners Court, an election is called in which the voters in the proposed District must elect to create the District. If a majority of the votes are cast in favor of creation, the District is created.

If Andrews voters approve the creation of an Emergency Services District (ESD) on November 4, 2025, a defined series of steps occur, each with specific timelines and statutory requirements. Below is an estimated timeline of key post-election events, based on ESD processes documented by other ESD organizations:

Nov. 2025

Commissioners Court canvasses election results
Commissioners Court enters a formal "Order Creating the District"
Commissioners Court appoints a committee to recommend Board members
Commissioners Court requests Board member applications

Dec. 2025

Committee reviews Board member applications

Jan. – Mar 2026

Commissioners Court appoints five members to the initial ESD board
Board members complete required 6 hours of training
Board adopts bylaws, elects officers, and establishes meeting procedures
Board applies for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Board makes Interlocal Agreement with existing entities for ESD services
Board submits creation and annual reports with County clerk and TDEM
Board establishes banking relationships and accounting systems.

Apr - Jul. 2026

Board works with the appraisal district to obtain the ESD’s property tax base
Board determines service priorities and works on initial budget.

Aug. 2026

Board proposes and adopts initial budget/tax rate

Oct. 2026

ESD’s first fiscal year begins

Nov. 2026

ESD begins collecting first tax levy

Jan. 2027

Board hires chief.

2027-2028

ESD begins to hire staff and purchase equipment, vehicles, and facilities as funds become available. Full operational capacity may take up to 3 years, depending on funding, infrastructure needs, and service agreements.

ESDs are allowed to levy ad valorem (property) tax. The Texas Constitution states that ESDs may tax up to $0.10 per $100 of property valuation. The ESD’s creation documents establish the district’s initial tax rate.

ESDs may also collect sales tax, provided an election is held and voters approve this power. In Texas, 8.25% is the maximum allowed sales tax rate. The state collects 6.25%, leaving 2% available to eligible local jurisdictions, including ESDs. An ESD may collect anywhere from .125% to 2% of the local sales tax rate, depending on availability and subject to voter approval.

ESDs are also allowed to bill for services provided, such as emergency medical services or fire protection, if they so choose.

Unless the ESD falls under an exception, ESDs are required by law to file an audit with their County Commissioners Court by June 1 of each year. If the audit is not filed by Sept. 1, the President and Treasurer of the ESD board are automatically removed from their offices.

If an ESD meets certain requirements, it may be allowed to file certified financial statements instead of an audit. This exception exists for smaller ESDs that would have difficulty affording an exhaustive audit process.

Safety Grows with Us.

What is an Emergency Services District (ESD)?

Growth and Need in Andrews

Andrews Emergency Medical Services

Andrews Volunteer Fire Department

Why does an ESD make sense for Andrews?

How does an ESD Affect You?

ESD FAQs

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