ELECTION INFORMATION
November 4, 2025 Election– Proposition A
On November 4, 2025, Ellis County residents served by ESD 6 will have the opportunity to vote in a sales tax election to adopt a sales tax rate of 8.25%. The revenue generated from the 2% increase could be used to help emergency services within the district, help reduce emergency response times, which are currently hindered by staffing limitations and high call volumes from the growth of Ellis County and help build a new fire station within the district.
Proposition A Ballot
“ELLIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 6 ELECTION TO ADOPT A LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX WITHIN THE DISTRICT
PROPOSITION A
THIS IS A TAX INCREASE
The adoption of a local sales and use tax in Ellis County Emergency Services District No. 6 at a rate not to exceed two (2%) percent in any location in the District. 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
Click to view Election Day Voting Locations
Sample ESD6 Ballot: https://www.co.ellis.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/20747/STYLE-02?bidId=
How would additional funding assist ESD 6?
Additional funding could help:
Increase staffing:
Currently, ESD 6 has two Firefighters 24/7 at Station 1 and two Firefighters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, 7 days a week at Station 2. These staffing levels are below the recommended staffing levels. Hiring additional personnel can ensure that each station has four firefighters on duty, which would improve emergency response time and help lower the ISO rating.
Fund an additional Fire Station:
Increased funds can help finance the construction of an additional fire station within the district's boundaries. This can expand coverage and ensure that emergency services are more accessible to a growing population and reduce response time.
Invest in New Equipment:
As equipment costs continue to rise, funds can help ESD 6 fund additional needed apparatus and equipment for ESD 6 and the Forreston VFD. An additional water tender is needed to serve the neighborhoods without fire hydrants.
Improve the ISO Rating:
The district’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating is currently 8B. Improving the items above could help lower the rating to a 5 or lower. Improving the ISO rating could lead to lower insurance premiums for homeowners.
1. Is this a property tax? Are my property taxes going up?
No. In Texas, the state collects $0.0625 (6.25%) on every dollar spent but allows other local government entities to collect up to $0.02 (2%), with a state maximum of $0.0825 (8.25%), to support community services.
By adopting a sales tax of up to two percent (2%), the District could expand its funding base beyond just local property owners. Visitors and travelers passing through our community — who also rely on our emergency services when needed — would help share in supporting these critical resources.
2. Will I be charged more than 8.25% on taxable purchases?
No. The state maximum on all taxable purchases is 8.25%. This election will capture up to 2% (two pennies on every dollar) in those places within the District boundaries not already collecting 8.25% on taxable purchases.
3. What are the three stations within ESD 6?
These are the three stations currently operating within ESD 6 boundaries:
- Ellis County ESD 6 Station 1: 1816 FM 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167
- Ellis County ESD 6 Station 2: 306 Industrial Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75165
- Forreston Fire Rescue: 114 Forreston Road, Forreston, TX 75041
4. How is the ESD currently funded?
ESD 6 currently operates on income collected via ad valorem property tax at a rate of $ .0755 per $100 of home value. The revenue generated by these taxes alone is insufficient to fund the improvements needed to keep pace with the growth within the District.
5. What is the current sales tax rate?
The current sales tax rate is 6.25%. A proposed sales tax increase could raise the sales tax up to 2%, bringing the sales tax rate to 8.25%.
6. What is the estimated revenue with a proposed sales tax increase?
The proposed sales tax revenue is estimated to generate approximately $865,000 per year for Ellis County ESD 6.