Below are some of the more commonly asked questions regarding Austin County ESD No. 2, Sealy Fire Department operations, emergency services, community resources, and district information.
If you do not see the answer to your question below, please feel free to reach out through our Contact Us page and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
FAQ's - ESD No. 2
An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a school district, library district, or hospital district. ESDs are created to provide emergency services, including fire protection, emergency medical response, and rescue services to communities within their boundaries.
Emergency Services Districts are authorized to levy an ad valorem (property) tax. The Texas Constitution allows ESDs to tax up to $0.10 per $100 of property valuation. The district’s creation documents establish the ESD’s initial tax rate.
ESDs may also collect sales tax if approved by voters through an election. In Texas, the maximum combined sales tax rate is 8.25%. The State of Texas collects 6.25%, leaving up to 2% available to eligible local jurisdictions, including ESDs.
Additionally, ESDs may bill for services provided, such as emergency medical services or fire protection, if authorized to do so.
Austin County ESD No. 2’s 2025 tax rate was $0.0931 per $100 of assessed property valuation.
For example, if your residence has a taxable value of $250,000 as determined by the Austin County Appraisal District, the annual ESD tax would be approximately $186.20.
The tax rate setting process for Emergency Services Districts is governed by Texas law and follows requirements established by the State of Texas.
Additional information regarding the tax rate process may be found through the Texas Comptroller’s Office. For tax rate purposes, an Emergency Services District is classified as an “other taxing unit.”
Austin County ESD No. 2 has identified a future station location near:
- FM 2187 across from Sealy Elementary School
Future station planning is based on community growth, service demands, response times, and operational needs within the district.
Funding generated through the ESD tax rate supports a wide range of emergency services operations and public safety needs, including:
- Fire protection services
- EMS first responder services
- Rescue operations
- Equipment and apparatus purchases
- Fire station construction and maintenance
- Personnel salaries and benefits
- Training and certifications
- Protective equipment and uniforms
- Insurance and workers’ compensation
- Fuel, maintenance, and operational costs
- Emergency preparedness and disaster response
Austin County ESD No. 2 provides public access to meeting agendas, public notices, and approved meeting minutes through the ESD section of the website.
Austin County ESD No. 2 is governed by a Board of Emergency Services Commissioners responsible for oversight of the district, including budgeting, tax rates, long-term planning, and emergency services support.
Additional information regarding the Board of Commissioners, including commissioner profiles and responsibilities, may be found on the ESD Commissioners page.
FAQ's - Miscellaneous
For information regarding burn conditions or burn restrictions in Austin County, please contact the Austin County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line.
Austin County Sheriff’s Office
Non-Emergency Phone: 979-865-3111
Public records and incident reports may be requested through the department’s Records Request page. Requests may be submitted online, by email, by mail, or in person.
No. Please use the website below to locate a Child Safety Seat Inspection location in your area.
While the Sealy Fire Department assists with maintenance and testing of City of Sealy fire hydrants, issues involving damaged, leaking, or obstructed hydrants should be reported directly to the City of Sealy.
City of Sealy
Phone: 979-885-3511
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) provides guidance regarding the proper disposal of needles and sharps from residential settings.
Please review the information provided by TCEQ for safe disposal procedures.
Before disposing of a fire extinguisher, check the label to identify the type of extinguisher and determine whether it is empty. An extinguisher is generally considered empty when the pressure gauge reads zero and no extinguishing agent is released when the handle is briefly squeezed outdoors. If the extinguisher is still pressurized, do not place it in the trash. Contact your local waste management provider, recycling center, or household hazardous waste facility for guidance on proper disposal. Disposal requirements may vary depending on the extinguisher type and local regulations.
No. Austin County ESD No. 2 and the Sealy Fire Department do not accept or dispose of old prescription medications. Residents can safely dispose of unused or expired medications at the prescription drug drop box located in the lobby of the Sealy Police Department. For questions regarding accepted items or hours of operation, please contact the Sealy Police Department directly.
Yes. Austin County ESD No. 2 is a combination department and accepts volunteer members interested in serving the community.
The department may offer full-time and part-time career opportunities based on staffing needs and available positions.
Yes. Austin County ESD No. 2 may provide station tours, fire safety presentations, community event participation, and educational programs depending on personnel availability and scheduling.
General questions, non-emergency inquiries, and requests for additional information may be submitted through the department’s Contact Us page.