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Caldwell County is working to establish a new emergency services district for its residents.
According to a press release from Caldwell County, this district would provide emergency services that include ambulatory services throughout Caldwell County.
The issue was tabled during a public hearing held Tuesday, July 25, during the meeting of Caldwell County Commissioners Court.
City leaders from Lockhart, Luling and Martindale have verbally expressed their support for the proposed creation of what would be the Emergency Services District No. 5.
Commissioners on Tuesday tabled the order to submit the ESD to voters to give the cities of San Marcos, Staples and Mustang Ridge time to express formal consent to the creation of the ESD.
The county desires formal approval and participation from the cities of Lockhart, Martindale, Uhland, Luling, San Marcos, Staples and Mustang Ridge.
The press release stated that the county’s ambulance services contract with Ascension is set to terminate at midnight Sept. 30.
Creating a county-wide ESD would allow the new entity to shoulder the burden by levying a 10-cent tax per $100 property valuation tax to make a steady stream of revenue available to provide emergency services.
Lockhart, Luling, Martindale and Uhland have each signed resolutions consenting to the creation of the ESD, and Lockhart Mayor Lew White, Luling Mayor CJ Watts and City Manager Mark Mayo and Martindale Mayor Katherine Glaze each vocalized their support during Tuesday’s meeting, the press release stated.
The city of Luling has maintained control of its own emergency medical services for nearly four years, but Mayo said the creation of the ESD would prevent the city from continuing to suffer financial losses incurred by responding to medical calls beyond the city limits.
The order is expected to return for consideration at the Aug. 8 regular meeting.
The Texas Health and Safety Code authorizes qualified voters who own taxable real property to petition the court to order an election creating an ESD that includes their property. More than 100 registered voters have signed a petition in support of ESD 5.
The petition was created and circulated by Dorothy Driver of Dale and Fiona Kanemeier of Lockhart, the press release stated.
