Georgetown Fire Department Advocates for New Sales Tax to Enhance Emergency Services

Georgetown Fire Department Seeks Support for Emergency Service Expansion

GEORGETOWN, Texas – As our beloved Georgetown continues to grow, the challenges facing the local fire department are becoming more pronounced. With the rising number of emergency calls and a growing community, the Georgetown Fire Department is sounding the alarm—quite literally! They’re concerned about their ability to respond to emergencies promptly, especially for those residents living just outside the city limits.

The department is asking voters to consider a new sales tax aimed at expanding services and reducing wait times for emergency responses. This ballot measure could be the lifeline needed to ensure faster response times when every second counts.

Growing Needs, Growing Calls for Help

Just a decade ago, the Georgetown Fire Department responded to around 6,000 calls per year. Fast forward to today, and that number is projected to soar to over 17,000 calls annually! This astonishing increase has raised concerns for Fire Chief John Sullivan, who emphasizes the importance of being proactive rather than reactive.

“We can’t wait for all that to happen before we prepare for the demand for service,” Sullivan mentioned. This sentiment resonates deeply with residents who want to ensure that their safety is prioritized.

Understanding the Proposed Tax

This upcoming election, voters in Emergency Services District (ESD) 8, which includes areas just outside Georgetown city limits, will have the opportunity to approve a 2 percent sales and use tax. Currently, ESD 8 collects a 6.25 percent sales tax, but all of that revenue goes to the state. The additional 2 percent, if approved, would be allocated directly to the fire department, bringing in an estimated $4 million.

Chief Sullivan highlighted the urgent need for such funding: “Brain death starts to occur and becomes irreversible after 8 minutes. We aim to arrive at emergencies within 10 minutes or less.” Unfortunately, the department is struggling to meet that goal. Longer response times are becoming reality, sometimes taking up to 17 minutes due to the expanding geography of new developments.

Impact on the Community

These long wait times can significantly impact outcomes, not only for fire-related incidents but also for medical emergencies. Sullivan noted, “This applies to everyone because really when it comes to emergencies, it’s non-discriminatory.” By investing in more resources, the Georgetown Fire Department hopes to reduce response times across the board, helping residents receive the care they desperately need.

A Second Chance at the Ballot

This isn’t the first attempt for the fire department to secure this funding. Previous proposals for similar sales tax increases have been turned down by voters. Sullivan believes that low voter turnout and a lack of understanding about the tax’s purpose contributed to the past failure. This year, they’re returning with a renewed educational push to inform residents about how essential the sales tax could be for community safety.

If the proposal is passed, it will likely go into effect in the first or second quarter of 2025. According to state law, the overall sales tax rate cannot exceed 8.25 percent, meaning this new tax would fit within that limit while supporting critical services that benefit everyone in the community.

Looking Ahead

As Georgetown continues to blossom, a vote in favor of this sales tax could pave the way for critical improvements, including establishing new fire stations and hiring additional firefighters over the next decade. This means faster response times and, ultimately, a safer environment for all residents, whether they live within the city limits or just outside.

With a community as vibrant and growing as Georgetown, there has never been a better time for residents to come together and support their local fire department’s efforts to enhance emergency services for a safer tomorrow.