ESD 3 NEEDS YOUR HELP! VOTE YES TO PROP A

Llano County Emergency Services District #3 (ESD#3) is asking local

voters to approve Proposition A, which would allow the district to levy up to $0.10 per $100 property valuation, bringing it in line with other emergency service districts across Texas.

The root of ESD#3 date back to January 15, 2000, when voters first approved the creation of Rural Fire District #2 (RFD#2) by a margin of 78 to 39. This decision established a taxing entity with a maximum rate of $0.03 per $100 valuation to fund local fire protection. In 2003, the State of Texas reclassified all rural fire districts as emergency services districts, automatically changing the name to ESD#3. However, the change in designation did not automatically convey all the benefits associated with a full ESD status.

Today, ESD#3 operates under the direction of a five-person board appointed by the Llano County Commissioners Court. All board members reside within the ESD #3 service area and are known for their conservative fiscal approach and dedication to community service. The board oversees all spending decisions and maintains full transparency through public budget and tax rate meetings.

If voters approve Proposition A, ESD #3 would have the ability - though not the obligation - to raise the tax rate to a maximum of $0.10 per $100 valuation. This increase would not take effect immediately. Instead, starting in July 2026, the board would hold open public meetings to discuss the budget and determination the actual tax rate, which could be set below the maximum limit.

Passing this proposition does not mean we are jumping straight to ten cents. It simply gives us the flexibility to meet rising costs to ensure we can continue to serve the people of Llano County effectively.

The need for increased funding comes amid rising costs for essential equipment, insurance, vehicle maintenance, apparatus replacement, and fuel. ESD #3 also faces growing demands from a steady increase in in population and traffic, which has led to a higher call volume for emergency services.

The district’s coverage area spans approximately 650 square miles, served by the Llano Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD), a 35-member, all-volunteer organization providing protection within the district. Much of the department’s apparatus fleet is aging, and replacements are needed to maintain reliability and safety standards.

In recent years, Llano County has experienced several natural disasters, including floods and wildfires that required extended emergency response operations. These events have underscored the importance of establishing a reserve fund to ensure financial stability during prolonged emergencies.

With the passage of Proposition A, ESD #3 aims to strength its ability to serve the community while exploring additional funding sources through state and federal grants. The measure is designed to secure sustainable resources without overburdening taxpayers.