Rural Collin County Voters to Vote on New Emergency Tax

Community Votes on New Tax to Secure Fire Protection

Residents in rural Collin County are facing a critical decision this November. They will vote on whether to approve a new tax that would fund emergency services, including fire protection, for unincorporated areas of the county. This proposal comes after a petition from local residents, which led the county’s Commissioners Court to unanimously agree to place the issue on the Nov. 4 ballot.

If approved, the initiative would establish Collin County's first Emergency Services District (ESD). The ESD aims to provide a more stable and reliable source of funding for fire and ambulance services in areas not covered by city limits. Richard Hill, one of the residents who spearheaded the petition, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that “homes and other structures will burn to the ground without fire protection.” He added that doing without a new emergency services district is not an option for those living outside city limits.

Currently, Collin County provides emergency services for unincorporated areas by contracting with 21 municipal and volunteer fire departments. The county allocates approximately $2 million annually for these services, split between fire protection and ambulance services. However, this arrangement has become increasingly unstable due to changes in local municipalities.

Several cities, such as Farmersville and McKinney, have announced plans to stop providing fire protection to areas outside their city limits. They cite population growth and the strain it places on their fire departments. The ESD would address this issue by generating additional funding through a property tax, allowing the county to maintain consistent emergency services.

Under state law, the ESD could impose a tax of up to 10 cents per $100 in property value. The county’s Commissioners Court would appoint a five-member board to determine the exact tax rate. At the maximum rate, the ESD could raise $9.6 million annually—ten times the current budget for fire protection.

Despite the proposed tax, the transition from the current contract-based system to the ESD may create temporary gaps in emergency services. Clayton Binder, a resident of Farmersville, expressed concern about this possibility. “If I’m at work, I would like my kids to be able to get pulled out of my house,” he said. He urged officials to consider interim funding solutions to prevent service disruptions.

County leaders have been working to ensure a smooth transition. McKinney has committed to providing fire protection for its surrounding areas until October 2026, when the ESD’s budget year would begin. The county is also in discussions with other fire departments to avoid any gaps in service during the transition period.

“Our goal as a body is to see seamless coverage countywide without a gap,” said Collin County Judge Chris Hill.

During a public hearing, nearly two dozen residents spoke about the proposal. Some questioned whether the county could increase its existing budget for fire protection instead of implementing a new tax. However, county officials stated that the current budget would not be able to accommodate the additional funds required by the ESD.

The county has also considered raising the general property tax rate. However, Hill noted that this would require a countywide election, which he believes would likely fail. In comparison, the ESD offers a more feasible solution.

“The problem is money. It’s not fire service. The cities are willing to provide fire service. It’s a question of who’s paying the fire service and how much do you pay,” said resident Tommy Ellison.

As the November election approaches, the future of fire protection in rural Collin County hangs in the balance. Residents must weigh the benefits of a stable funding source against the cost of a new tax. The outcome of this vote will shape emergency services for years to come.