Smith County ESD 2 Proposes Sales Tax Increase

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 will be asking residents to consider approving a sales tax that would increase pay for additional firefighters. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County sales tax is at 0.5 percent and the ESD-2 Board of Commissioners is asking voters to approve an increase of up to 1.5 percent. 11 Departments make up the Emergency Service District 2, most of which are staffed with volunteers.

The departments cover over 700 square miles and protects more than 92,000 residents. Citizens are encouraged to participate in a series of town hall meetings to discuss the potential higher sales tax. The first of those meetings will be on Thursday in Bullard. While Texas currently collects a sales tax of 6.25 percent, local jurisdictions can collect up to two percent with voter approval. Voting for the proposed sales tax increase is on November 5.