Questions and Answers about ESD #1
Q: Where does the District get its money?
A: The District levies a property tax of 2 cents per $100 of property value. For a home on the tax rolls at $200,000, that's $40 a year.
Q: Who is in charge of the District?
A: The District is overseen by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Comal County Commissioners Court, but it is not a part of county government; it's a separate entity.
Q: What is the District's strategic plan?
A: After months of work, the District has developed its long-term plan to meet its goal: In 90 percent of calls, ESD1 will get a state-of-the art ambulance with highly trained emergency medical technicians to someone who needs help within ten minutes of the call for help.
Q: How will it do that?
A: The District hopes to build, staff and equip another station for Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS. This strategically located station help meet the challenges of growth - more people, more calls. The District also hopes to add staff at the current station.
Q: How will it pay for that?
A: That's the tough question. Currently, ESD #1 is at its tax ceiling. It can't raise its tax rate any more. But with the improvements necessary to meet the goal, Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS is projected to face a $400,000 deficit by 2011. The District could ask voters to raise the tax ceiling to 10 cents per $100. That's the maximum allowed by the Texas Constitution. Without increased revenues, Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS may have to cut staff, abandon plans for a new station or keep old ambulances on the street longer.