Governance
What is an ESD?
An Emergency Services District (ESD) is an independent local government entity created by voters to provide fire, EMS, or rescue services within a defined geographic area.
What is the difference between an ESD and a City Fire Department?
An ESD is funded through dedicated property taxes and operates independently from city government. A city fire department is a municipal agency funded through the city’s general budget and provides services only within city limits.
In short:
- ESD: An independent taxing district that provides fire and/or EMS services to a broader area, often including unincorporated communities.
- City Fire: A municipal fire department funded and governed by a city, serving only within city limits.
What does an ESD do?
An ESD is organized to protect life and property by providing fire prevention and control, emergency medical services, emergency ambulance services, and other emergency services authorized by the Texas Legislature.
How are ESDs created?
A petition signed by at least 100 voters in the proposed District must be presented to the County Commissioners Court. If the Court determines the district is feasible and necessary, an election is ordered. If a majority of voters approve the measure, the District is officially created.
How are ESDs governed?
A board of five commissioners is appointed or elected in accordance with local procedures. The Bexar County Commissioners Court appoints all Bexar County ESD Commissioners. The ESD Board oversees operations, budget, and policy for the District.
How are ESDs funded?
ESDs are authorized to levy property taxes and may issue bonds within statutory and constitutional limits to support operations, apparatus, facilities, and capital projects. Additional funding may come from service contracts and other revenue sources that support emergency services.
ESDs may also collect sales tax if approved by voters in an election. In Texas, the maximum sales tax rate is 8.25%—with 6.25% collected by the state and 2% available to local jurisdictions, including ESDs. Bexar County ESD No. 3 collects a sales tax of 0.015%.
Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department: A Timeline
1966
Founded as the Bulverde Fire Department, serving a vast 300-square-mile area across northern Bexar and southern Comal Counties.
1970
Station 103 established at 1126 East Borgfeld Drive.
1986
The Department split to better allocate tax funds:
- Bexar County station became Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department.
- Comal County stations became Bulverde Area Fire Department.
2003
Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 3 was approved by public election in September. The Bexar County Commissioners Court then ordered the formation of Bexar County ESD No. 3 and appointed five Commissioners. The Bexar-Bulverde Volunteer Fire Department served as a service provider for Bexar County ESD No. 3.
2007
Station 104 opened on Bulverde Road to support eastern district growth.
2016
In an effort to fend off full annexation of the District by the City of San Antonio, an agreement was reached to only annex a corridor consisting of US Hwy 281 North and areas within 1,000 feet of the highway.
An Interlocal Agreement (ILA) was established with the City of San Antonio. Under the terms of this ILA, Bexar County ESD No. 3 would continue to provide fire and rescue first responder services to the annexed area for an agreed annual sum and excess run fee.
2019
Station 105 opened on Canyon Golf Road for western district coverage. The Administration Building also opened at this location that same year.
2021
Five acres acquired on West Borgfeld Drive for relocating Station 103.
2022
Station 106 opened on East Evans Road in the far eastern part of the district.
2024
The Bexar-Bulverde VFD merged with Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 3, and was renamed Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department, marking a new chapter in regional emergency services.
2026
New Station 103 and Training Facility on West Borgfeld Road scheduled to open.
