Georgetown Fire Department Seeks Community Support for Emergency Services Expansion Amid Rapid Growth

Georgetown Faces Fire Service Expansion Challenge

GEORGETOWN, Texas – Our gorgeous city of Georgetown is experiencing rapid growth, and with that growth comes a pressing need for improved emergency services. The Georgetown Fire Department is raising a big red flag, and they want to make sure our community is prepared for the future.

As it stands, the fire department is genuinely worried that they can’t respond quickly enough to emergencies in certain areas, particularly for folks living just outside city limits. Georgetown’s Fire Chief, John Sullivan, has his hands full and is determined to take action before it’s too late. With a new measure on the ballot that proposes a 2 percent sales tax, the department hopes to use those funds to enhance services in areas where residents are facing longer wait times for assistance.

A Fast-Growing Community

“Let’s rewind a bit,” Sullivan shared. “Just over 10 years ago, we were responding to about 6,000 calls per year. Fast forward to now, and we’re on track to respond to more than 17,000 calls this year.” That’s a staggering increase! It’s clear that our city, with its bustling developments and new neighborhoods popping up, has been busy.

With Georgetown expanding fast, the fire chief is stepping up to the plate and asking voters to lend a hand. “We can’t wait until problems arise; we need to be proactive about it,” Sullivan stated. The upcoming election for the Emergency Services District (ESD) 8 is crucial, as residents there will decide whether to implement that proposed sales tax.

Where Will the Money Go?

The current sales tax in ESD 8 is at 6.25 percent, but all of that goes directly to the state. The new 2 percent proposal would keep those funds in our community, specifically earmarked for the fire department. Sullivan estimates this could generate an additional $4 million that would be used directly to improve response times.

“When seconds count, our response time can make all the difference,” Sullivan explained passionately. In emergencies, every minute matters. “Brain death can start to occur and become irreversible after just 8 minutes,” he added. Currently, the fire department aims for a 10-minute response time, but sadly, that target isn’t being met consistently. “We sometimes find ourselves taking upwards of 14 to 17 minutes to reach those in need,” Sullivan expressed with concern.

A Community Effort

Improving emergency response isn’t just for those living within the city limits; it’s a community-wide concern. “This applies to everyone because really, when it comes to emergencies, they don’t pick and choose. They strike everyone,” Sullivan said. If the tax is approved, the funds would help build three new fire stations and hire more firefighters within the next decade, significantly enhancing our capability to serve.

A Second Attempt

Interestingly, voters turned down a similar proposal last year. “This is our second try,” said Sullivan, who’s hopeful for a different outcome this time around. “We’re coming back this year with more information and education about what this sales tax will actually do—for our community and our safety.” He believes that last year’s proposal failed due to low voter turnout and a general lack of understanding about its purpose.

If the proposal garners the community’s support, we could see these changes add to the sales tax by early 2025, capped at 8.25 percent according to state law. The Georgetown Fire Department is counting on its residents to consider the future emergency needs of our attractive city.

So Georgetown residents, as you prepare to head to the polls, remember the importance of your vote, not just for the present but for our collective future. Let’s keep our community safe!