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See the answers to Frequently Asked Questions Below:
Palo Pinto County Emergency Services District #1 is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a School District, Library District or Hospital District.
Palo Pinto County ESD#1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to its service area which includes all of Palo Pinto County with the exception of the City of Mineral Wells and EMS services in the southeast corner of the county (covered by ESD#2).
A board of five commissioners governs ESD#1. The Palo Pinto County Commissioners Court appoints the commissioners to two-year terms.
No, they are an independent governmental entity.
ESD#1 levies an ad valorem (property) tax. The Texas Constitution states that ESDs may tax up to $0.10 per $100 of property valuation. The ESD’s creation documents establish the district’s initial tax rate (currently at $0.03 per $100 of property valuation). ESD#1 also collects sales tax as approved by the voters.
By law, ESD#1 meets at least once a month. Agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. All meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act. ESD#1 also complies with the Texas Public Information Act concerning open records requests and records retention.
While ESDs are established by Article 48-e of the Texas Constitution, Chapter 775 of the Texas Health and Safety Code is the enabling statute for all ESDs. ESDs are required by law to file an Annual Report with the Texas Department of Agriculture by January 1st of each year.
ESD#1 is required by law to file an audit with their County Commissioners Court by June 1 of each year.
Yes, each commissioner must complete at least 6 hours of certified training in a two-year period.
Yes. As a political subdivision, ESD#1 must comply with all Truth-in-Taxation requirements.
By law, ESDs are allowed to overlap an area as long as they do not provide duplicative services. In Palo Pinto county, ESD#2 was created (by voters in the affected area) to provide emergency medical services.
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