Election Information
November 4, 2025 Election– Proposition A
At the November 4, 2025, election, Ellis County residents located within the jurisdiction of ESD 5 will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition A, a measure that would raise the ad valorem tax cap for ESD 5 from $0.03/$100 to $0.10/$100. Proposition A would allow an increase in the maximum amount of ad valorem tax that could be assessed against property in ESD 5.
Proposition A Ballot
ELLIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 5 ELECTION TO CHANGE THE MAXIMUM AD VALOREM TAX RATE WITHIN THE DISTRICT
PROPOSITION A
THIS IS A TAX INCREASE
Authorizing an increase in the maximum ad valorem tax rate that Ellis County Emergency Services District No. 5 may impose on property within the District to a rate not to exceed ten cents ($0.10) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation. Each voter may vote for or against the proposition by placing an “X” in the square beside the word “FOR” or in the square beside the word “AGAINST.”
Proposition A Ballot
ELLIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 5 ELECTION TO CHANGE THE MAXIMUM AD VALOREM TAX RATE WITHIN THE DISTRICT
PROPOSITION A
THIS IS A TAX INCREASE
Authorizing an increase in the maximum ad valorem tax rate that Ellis County Emergency Services District No. 5 may impose on property within the District to a rate not to exceed ten cents ($0.10) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation. Each voter may vote for or against the proposition by placing an “X” in the square beside the word “FOR” or in the square beside the word “AGAINST.”
EARLY VOTING: October 20 - 31
Find early voting locations, dates and times here
ELECTION DAY: November 4th
ESD 5’s Resources and Community Needs
Ellis County is rapidly growing, with a 23% population increase over the past five years and a current population of approximately 230,000 residents. As the population grows and development expands, the volume of emergency calls has increased. At the same time, the cost of firefighting equipment and apparatus has increased since ESD 5 was established in 1987, making it difficult for ESD 5 to fund firefighting improvements with the current ad valorem tax cap of three cents per one hundred dollars valuation.
Additionally, ESD 5 currently holds a high ISO rating, which measures a fire department’s ability to protect their community. Fire departments are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst. Having a high ISO rating contributes to higher homeowner insurance premiums for residents. By upgrading emergency protection services, ESD 5 may be able to improve its ISO rating and lower insurance costs for community members.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many stations are located within ESD 5?
Currently, the City of Ferris provides fire protection services to ESD 5 and operates out of its station.
2. How is ESD 5 currently funded?
ESD 5 is currently funded through a maximum $0.03/$100 ad valorem property tax. Out of the funding, two-thirds of ESD 5’s revenue comes from property owners in Ellis County and one-third comes from property owners in the City of Ferris. ESD 5 is receiving the same amount of tax money as it did in 1987 when ESD 5 was formed, which is insufficient to accommodate the growing needs.
3. How would ESD 5 benefit from additional funding?
Additional funding would help to increase staffing support and update equipment. It currently costs ESD 5 approximately $18,000 to put one person in firefighter gear. With more funding, ESD 5 would be able to add paid staff on shifts, bring on volunteers and obtain up-to-date equipment.
4. How would residents benefit from additional funding?
Residents in ESD 5 would receive dedicated fire service provided by paid staff and volunteers.
