Collin County voters within the proposed district boundaries approved the creation of Collin County Emergency Services District No. 1 (ESD No. 1) during the November 4, 2025 election.
The approval establishes a locally governed Emergency Services District dedicated to supporting fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) in portions of unincorporated Collin County and participating extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs).
The measure passed with strong voter support, reflecting the community’s desire to maintain reliable emergency response services as several municipalities transition away from existing county fire service agreements.
What This Means for Residents
The creation of
ESD No. 1 helps ensure long-term funding and coordination for fire protection and EMS services in eligible unincorporated areas of Collin County.
Emergency Services Districts are authorized under Texas law and are commonly used throughout the state to provide emergency response services in areas outside city limits. More than 350 ESDs currently operate across Texas.
For residents within the approved district boundaries, the ESD will:
- Support continued fire protection and emergency medical response services
- Provide a local funding mechanism dedicated specifically to emergency services
- Allow emergency service planning to remain focused on the needs of the communities within the district
- Help maintain service continuity as existing county fire contracts expire
The ESD is expected to continue contracting with existing fire departments and emergency service providers. There are currently no plans for the district to create its own standalone fire department or ambulance service.
Governance and Oversight
Under Texas law, the Emergency Services District operates as its own political subdivision and is governed by a five-member Board of Emergency Services Commissioners appointed by the Collin County Commissioners Court.
The Board will oversee district operations, budgeting, emergency service contracts, and future planning efforts.
Funding the District
Voters also approved the authorization of a property tax not to exceed the rate allowed under the Texas Constitution to support district operations and emergency services.
The initial tax rate will be established in accordance with state law and based on the operational needs of the district. Future tax rates and annual budgets will be considered by the ESD Board during public meetings.
Why the ESD Was Created
For decades, Collin County partnered with cities and volunteer fire departments to provide fire and EMS coverage in unincorporated portions of the county. However, several municipalities notified the County they would no longer continue those agreements in the coming years, creating the need for a long-term solution for emergency response coverage.
The creation of ESD No. 1 was initiated through a citizen-led petition process authorized by the Texas Legislature.
How Residents Can Learn More
Residents can continue to follow updates regarding ESD No. 1 through the Collin County website and future public meetings of the district.
- Information available online includes:
- District maps and boundary information
- Frequently asked questions
- Board appointment updates
- Public meeting notices
Emergency service coverage information
Residents may also review whether their property falls within the district boundaries by using the County’s online fire district mapping tools
Participating Areas
The approved ESD boundaries include eligible unincorporated areas and participating ETJs that consented to inclusion during the formation process.
Participating jurisdictions include portions associated with:
- Blue Ridge
- Farmersville
- Fate
- Josephine
- Lavon
- Lowry Crossing
- McKinney
- Melissa
- Murphy
- Nevada
- New Hope
- Parker
- Princeton
- Prosper
- Royse City
- Weston
- Wylie
Looking Ahead
The Emergency Services District is expected to begin formal operations and budgeting activities ahead of Fiscal Year 2027, with fire and EMS service contracts anticipated to transition under the ESD structure beginning October 1, 2026.
Collin County remains committed to providing residents with factual, transparent information throughout the implementation process.
Next Meeting.
