On August 13, 2025, the Board of Commissioner held a Public Hearing to solicit public comment on a petition for annexation of terrritory.    The area in quesion is the City of Elgin and its extra-territorial jurisdiction within Bastrop County.   Six residents spoke in favor of the annexation.   At the close of the public hearing, the Board voted in favor of calling an election for annexation of the territory, finding that the annexation was both feasible and in the best interest of the District.    The election will be held on the November 2025 general election date.  

Background

In November 2024, Bastrop County voters approved the formation of the Bastrop County Emergency Services District #3 (ESD3).   The purpose of ESD3 is to fund and oversee EMS services (i.e. ambulance service) within its service area.  

The City of Elgin and its surrounding extra-territorial jurisdiction (“ETJ”) within Bastrop County were NOT included in ESD3’s creation election.   In July 2025, a petition with sufficient qualified signatures was submitted to the ESD3 Board requesting this territory be annexed into the District’s boundaries.  

On Wednesday, August 13th, the ESD3 Board of Commissioners held a public hearing, received public comment, and considered calling an annexation election to add the territory to ESD3.  

November Election

ESD3 will hold an election on November 4, 2025.   Residents in the City of Elgin and its ETJ within Bastrop County will vote “yes” or “no” to join ESD3.    Residents within the existing ESD3 boundaries must also approve of the annexation as well.   

If both measures pass with a majority of voters approving, the territory will be annexed.   Residents of the territory would pay up to $0.10 per $100 of property valuation starting in FY 2026-27. 

If either measure fails, the annexation will not take place.

Potential Outcomes

If the measures pass, residents in the territory will continue to be served under the ESD3 EMS system.   Ambulance service is provided through a contract with Acadian Ambulance through September 2026.

If the measures fail, the City of Elgin could contract with ESD3 for ambulance service or it could explore alternatives such as contracting with a provider for service within the city.  Funding for these options would be the responsibility of the City of Elgin.

FAQs

 What is the tax rate levied by Bastrop County ESD #3?

As a new ESD, the ESD3 has not established its tax rate.  The ESD3 Board is currently developing its first budget for adoption.   The budget and tax rate will be approved at the September Board meeting.    ESD3’s tax rate may not exceed $0.10 per $100 valuation, which is the cap provided in the Texas Constitution.

 Prior to BCESD3, how was ambulance service provided in Bastrop County?

For over ten years, Bastrop County contracted with Acadian Ambulance to provide emergency ambulance service.   Acadian is a private company that provides 911 and general transport services in four states.   Prior to the formation of ESD3, Acadian staffed four 24-hour paramedic ambulances in Bastrop County.

 Why was the District formed?

In 2024, a group of citizens petitioned the Bastrop County Commissioners Court requesting an election to approve an ESD to fund emergency medical services in Bastrop County.    For almost ten years, Acadian Ambulance provided EMS service through a zero-subsidy contract with Bastrop County – meaning the only revenue to support the system was from billing for EMS transport.  Acadian’s break-even financial point under this contract was staffing only four ambulances in the county.  

 There was general agreement that four ambulances was less than optimal, and adding additional ambulances would require public funding.   However, doing so within the existing County budget was difficult without going to the voters to approve raising tax rates above the level permitted by State statute. 

 Commissioner’s Court ordered an election in November 2024.   Voters approved the formation of ESD3 and established a maximum tax rate for ESD3 of $0.10 per $100 property valuation.  

 How is ambulance service provided today?

Acadian and ESD3 agree that additional ambulances are needed to meet the growing call volume in the County and reduce response times.   The parties have agreed to a contract that enables Acadian to increase their deployment from four (4) 24-hour ambulances each day to five (5) 24-hour ambulances plus two (2) 12-hour (peak time) ambulances daily, providing seven (7) ambulances at peak times.   In addition, Acadian staffs a 24-hour critical care, clinical supervisor to support the system.   The supervisor responds to critical calls, performs quality assurance activities, provides coaching and education to staff to enhance their assessment and treatment skills and acts a front-line liaison with local public safety departments and health care providers. 

 In addition, ESD3 imposed in the contract and monitors a broad set of operational, clinical and communications performance metrics.   These measures are evidenced-based standards designed to optimize outcomes for persons needing emergency medical assistance. These include more rigorous response time requirements for life threatening calls than previously imposed.

 Does ESD3 cover the City of Elgin and its ETJ today?

Yes.   The District and the City of Elgin entered into a short-term agreement to ensure continuity of ambulance service within the City.    Under the agreement, the City pays the District each month for this coverage inside the City limits.    The City’s ETJ is currently covered through an interlocal agreement with Bastrop County.