Emergency Services Districts

An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. Depending on the ESD’s creation documents, an ESD can provide fire protection, emergency medical services or both. ESDs are created 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.