Election
BY CLAIRE SHOOP
Voters pass sales tax increase to fund emergency services
A majority of the electorate has passed a prop- osition that would increase sales tax in George- town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction by 2% and allocate those dollars toward Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 8. The measure would increase the sales tax in the ETJ to 8.25%, the maximum rate allowed in the state of Texas. ESD 8 and the Georgetown Fire Department partner to provide fire and emergency medical services to the city of Georgetown and the ETJ. The additional funding provided by the sales tax revenue would allow ESD 8 to keep up with its portion of the cost-sharing agreement between the two entities, according to previous Community Impact reporting. As of press time Nov. 13, the proposition has received 7,784 votes in favor, or 56.19% of the vote, and 6,068 votes against, or 43.81% of the vote. What they’re saying Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan said he is humbled by and grateful for the results of the election. He thanked ESD 8 voters for approving the proposition, which he said will provide much needed funding to emergency services. “The results of the election speak to our genuine and deep appreciation to each voter,” Sullivan said. Why it matters The funds will help the ESD and the George- town Fire Department execute on a plan to hire six additional fire fighters every year for the next 10 years, and open a new station every three years during that time. Sullivan said together, the priorities will “stabilize response times” and “increase the
Results breakdown
Democrat D
Libertarian L
Republican R
Incumbent
Winner
Liberty Hill ISD and Williamson County
49.35% For 50.65% Against Liberty Hill ISD, Proposition A 53.39% For 46.61% Against Liberty Hill ISD, Proposition B
Williamson County constable, Precinct 4 56.43% Paul L. Leal R
43.57% Kenneth Guerrero
D
Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 8, Proposition A
56.19% For 43.81% Against
Williamson County attorney
Williamson County sheriff
53.25% Dee Hobbs 46.75% Amy Lyn Lefkowitz
R
52.13% Matthew Lindemann 47.87% Mike Gleason
R
D
D
76.79% Valerie Covey 23.21% Wes Benedict Williamson County commissioner, Precinct 3 R L
For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/ voter-guide.
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
footprint of emergency services” within the growing community. New sales tax revenue from the proposition will likely be received starting in April, Sullivan said. The next steps will be for the ESD board to meet and look at what items in the plan it can begin funding this year, and which it will prepare to budget for next year.
What else? Georgetown area voters also cast ballots in a number of Williamson County races, and those living in Liberty Hill ISD also decided the outcome of two propositions there. All results are unofficial until canvassed.
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
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