ESD 5: Sales tax vote heats up as firefighters see rising call numbers

By Kim HilsenbeckAs the region grows, so does the need for services such as police, fire protection, emergency services, parks, libraries and transportation/streets. 

But despite all the influx of new residents, Emergency Services District #5/Kyle Fire Department is not keeping pace. And that could impact its ability to meet the needs of its more than 50,000 customers. 

As a taxing entity, the ESD collects 10 cents of every dollar taxed in its district — the maximum allowed by Texas law.  That’s why ESD #5 is asking voters to approve an expansion of its sales tax boundaries to include the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) around the city of Kyle.