09/03/2025
🔥 Bristol ESD #7 – Supporting Our Firefighters
Bristol VFD covers Emergency Service District #7 which is approximately 64 Square miles in Eastern Ellis County. We are asking for the community's support on the following vote in November. Please read the post and vote to help Bristol VFD improve response, training and equipment.
Why We Need Your Support
The cost of firefighting continues to rise. Our firefighters need the proper equipment, training, and resources to respond quickly and safely when emergencies strike.
Current Challenges
Bristol ESD #7 has had the lowest tax rate in Ellis County for 32 years. ESD #7 currently collects less than half of all other ESDs in Ellis County at $58000 annually.
• Current tax rate: 0.024 cents per $100 valuation
• 2024 levy: $58,000 (for 2025 operations)
• Compare: Other ESDs collect hundreds of thousands to millions in levy funds.
Rising Costs of Fire & EMS
• 🚒 Fuel & Vehicle Maintenance
• 🛠 Tires, Hoses, Nozzles & Firefighting Gear
• 🏥 Medical Response Equipment
• 🏢 Building Utilities & Maintenance
• 🎓 Training & Certifications
• 🧾 Firefighter & Vehicle Insurance
• 🚑 Apparatus (fire truck) costs: $100,000 – $450,000 each
The Proposal
• Increase tax rate to 10 cents per $100 valuation
• Brings Bristol ESD #7 in line with other districts
• Ensures we can:
o Purchase and maintain lifesaving equipment
o Train and certify firefighters
o Cover insurance and operational costs
o Provide reliable Fire & EMS response to our community
Your Voice Matters
This proposal will be placed on the ballot at the next election.
✅ Vote to strengthen emergency response in Bristol ESD #7.
Ellis County, Texas