Board Votes to Operate EMS
Bastrop, Texas – October 21, 2025
The Bastrop County Emergency Services District #3 Board of Commissioners voted October 15th to transition to an ESD operated EMS. The transition is estimated to take one year.
For over 20 years, EMS service in Bastrop County has been contracted to a private company. Acadian Ambulance has held the contract for the last eleven years. Prior to the formation of ESD3, Acadian operated without any taxpayer funding. According to ESD President James Green, “Because Acadian was attempting to break even, this limited the deployment to four ambulances in the County. Even though Acadian back filled ambulances from their Austin operation, there was still long response times to many calls.” The long response times and a desire for other enhancements prompted a petition drive and eventual vote to form the ESD to fund and oversee EMS.
“With the formation of the District, we have been able to enhance the service level and reduce response times,” stated Board member Keith Simpson. “We also included nationally endorsed performance standards that are evidenced-based to support improved patient outcomes.”
The Board’s decision to transition to an ESD operated model came after a thorough evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages. The District also explored a possible competitive procurement process to identify a long-term contracted partner. In addition to Acadian, the District expected other private EMS companies to compete for the business.
Board member Allen Johnson presented the financial analysis. “At the end of the day, regardless of who operates the EMS agency, there is a cost to meet a desired set of outcomes. For a private public partnership to be successful, both parties must understand the expected performance and the cost to deliver on that. In the end, the Board opted for local control.”
The process of building and licensing a new EMS agency will take about a year. In the interim, Acadian will remain the local provider. “Both Acadian and the District are committed to continuing to improve and enhance EMS delivery in Bastrop County during the interim period. We are considering adding additional resources to continue to improve response times,” Simpson explained. “We want Acadian to be able to use us as a reference site as they continue to grow their business.”
Board member Loren Stagner explained that he was initially opposed to bringing EMS in-house. “After talking with community members and studying the analysis, I believe this is the most responsible action for the community long-term. The Board understands the need to balance quality and cost. We are in the position to deliver a responsible product to the community.”
ESD Executive Director Ernesto Rodriguez presented a list of key deliverables to the Board, including a detailed timeline of milestones necessary to successfully bring EMS in-house. The Board will review those timelines no later than its December regular meeting. Board member Jason Pack concluded, “this is a big step for the community. Having a strong, locally managed EMS will help us keep pace with the community’s growth and evolving needs.
For more information:
Allen Johnson
Ernesto Rodriguez
Ernesto.rodriguez@bastropesd3.org