Funding

By state law, emergency service districts can be funded in two ways:

• Property taxes, not to exceed $0.10 per $100 valuation; and 
• Sales and use taxes of up to 2% for a maximum total rate of 8.25%. 

ESD 8 is funded through both property taxes and a 2% sales and use tax. The  property taxes are currently set at a rate of $0.094. For an average $500,000 home, this is roughly $40 per month or $470 per year.  In November 2024, ESD 8 voters approved a 2% sales and use tax for a total rate of 8.25%. Visit our 2024 Election Information page for more information. 

Budget

Prior to voter approval of the sales and use tax, ESD 8’s financial reserves were nearly depleted as the district worked to keep pace with rapid population growth and rising services demands. Without additional revenue, maintaining current service levels and response times would have become increasingly difficult. 

With funding from property taxes and the sales and use tax now in place, ESD 8 is able to stabilize its finances while continuing to work together with Georgetown Fire Department to protect what matters most. The additional revenue allows the ESD to rebuild critical reserves to prepare for emergencies, invest in future infrastructure, and avoid reductions in service standards as the community grows. 

The additional revenue also enables ESD 8 to meet its funding obligations for upcoming improvements included in the City of Georgetown’s 2024-2034 Fire Department Master Plan and sustain its ongoing partnership with the fire department, ensuring consistent, reliable emergency services for residents now and into the future.