Ensuring Reliable Emergency Services Across Our District 

Ellis County ESD 5 helps support the emergency services infrastructure that protects the community each day. In partnership with Ferris Fire Department, the district provides funding and oversight that help maintain emergency response readiness, operational support, equipment replacement, and training initiatives. Together, they work to deliver reliable fire protection and emergency services that residents can count on.

An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a local government agency created by a vote of the public to provide fire protection and/or emergency medical services (EMS) in specific areas in unincorporated Ellis County. The governing statute for an ESD is Chapter 775 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. An ESD collects taxes based on appraisals of real and personal property and usually contracts with a service provider. There are two types of ESDs: one is for fire protection and the other is for emergency medical services (EMS).

Ellis County ESD #5 is proud to work with Ferris Fire Department to keep our community safe.

2025 Tax Rate Information

“ELLIS COUNTY ESD NO. 5 ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE. THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 11.92 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $3.20.”