Bastrop, Texas – June 20, 2025

Bastrop County Emergency Services District #3 and the City of Elgin completed an interlocal agreement that ensures continued EMS service for the City and a county-wide approach to EMS coverage.    

In 2024, the City of Elgin did not join the rest of the county calling for an election to form the ESD.  The city of Elgin is the only city in Bastrop County that is not located entirely within the county with parts of the city and its ETJ located within Travis County.  According to a city spokesperson, “Because it was unclear at the time how the Travis County residents in the city and the Travis and Bastrop County residents in the city’s ETJ would be served, Elgin leaders did not join in the election.”

With the city excluded from the ESD service area, a creative solution was needed.  “Being a part of the County system is vital for the City of Elgin and its residents, and we need to make sure that all of our residents have the emergency services they need,” said Mayor Theresa McShan.  “We appreciate the support of Bastrop County, the ESD, our first responders. and Acadian and their efforts to make sure we can get those services in a timely manner for working with us to ensure that our residents.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the City will reimburse the ESD $27,900 per month through November 2025.   The funding will help pay for additional EMS resources as part of a renegotiated ESD agreement with Acadian Ambulance.  ESD Commissioner Keith Simpson confirmed that Acadian will be staffing three additional ambulances county-wide as part of the new agreement.

“We have one 24-hour ambulance stationed in downtown Elgin.  When that unit receives a call, we reallocate the remaining ambulances to backfill Elgin,” said Acadian’s Director of Operations Rusty Wood.  “Going forward, we will have a new ambulance stationed on Highway 95, halfway between Elgin and Bastrop.   This unit will dramatically reduce the backfill time and improve service to McDade and Paige.”

The city expects a citizen-led effort to petition the ESD to annex the city into the ESD service area, ensuring a long-term solution for the city’s EMS needs. If annexed, area taxpayers would join the rest of the ESD service area in supporting the EMS system beginning in October 2026.  Between November 2025 and October 2026, the city would pay a proportionate share of the EMS system cost.  

Simpson praised the City’s leadership for their collegial approach to the solution.  “The Mayor, Council and City Manager Isaac Turner, along with Police Chief Chris Noble and the command staff at North Bastrop County Fire Department worked hard to get this done.  The residents and visitors of Elgin will see improved service because of their efforts”

“The ESD Board has been very responsive to our concerns and worked with us to make it financially possible,” said Turner.  “We have appreciated having Acadian in Elgin.   They work well with our local first responders.   The enhancements that the ESD is supporting will only make the system stronger.  

Turner believes the city will continue planning so that they have contingencies ready for the anticipated annexation vote outcome.

About Acadian Ambulance

Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.

About the City of Elgin

Elgin is the northernmost municipality in Bastrop County.  A historic rapidly growing community with over 13,000 residents, the City is home to a vibrant Main Street District that blends small-town charm with strategic access to Central Texas’ booming economy. For more information about Elgin,visit elgintexas.gov.

About ESD #3…

Bastrop County ESD #3 was formed in January 2025 as a special purpose district to fund and oversee EMS service in Bastrop County.