About
Rapid Response. Trusted Service. Every Day.
Travis County Emergency Services District 12 (TCESD12) was established in 1996, evolving from Rural Fire Protection District 9 to meet the growing needs of northeast Travis County. Today, TCESD12 provides comprehensive fire protection, rescue, and emergency medical services to Manor, Webberville, Littig, New Sweden, Decker Creek, 130 Toll Road, and the US Highway 290 corridor between Austin and Elgin. Operating from four strategically located stations, our dedicated crews respond to over 5,000 emergencies each year, protecting lives, property, and the communities we serve.
Travis County District Map
Board of Commissioners
Travis County Emergency Services District 12 (TCESD12) is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court. Each member serves a two-year term.
The Board is responsible for setting the district’s annual budget and establishing the property tax rate that funds fire protection and emergency medical first response services. By law, the tax rate cannot exceed $0.10 per $100 of property valuation.
Beyond fiscal oversight, the Board plays a key role in guiding the long-term planning and growth of the district. The Commissioners are also responsible for hiring the Fire Chief, who serves as the district’s chief executive and works in partnership with the Board to carry out its vision and priorities.
Thomas Graham, President
Al Mays, Vice President
Michael Rhone, Treasurer
Eric Anderson, Deputy Treasurer
Shawn Barnes, Secretary
Public Meetings
Board meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for community members to stay informed and engaged.
When: Second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM
Where: TCESD12 Administrative Office
11200 Gregg Lane
Manor, TX 78653
Frequently Asked Questions about Emergency Services Districts (E.S.D.)
A: An Emergency Services District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a School District, Library District, or Hospital District. There are 12 Emergency Services Districts in Travis County.
A: Depending on the Emergency Services District's creation documents, an Emergency Services District can provide fire protection, emergency medical services, or both.
A: Emergency Services Districts are created through a “grassroots” effort: A petition signed by at least 100 voters in the proposed district must be presented to the County Commissioners Court in the county (or counties) in which the Emergency Services District is intended to exist. If the Emergency Services District is deemed feasible and necessary by the Commissioners Court, an election is called in which the voters in the proposed District must elect to create the District. If a majority of the votes are cast in favor of creation, the District is created.
A: A board of five commissioners governs Emergency Services Districts. In most counties in Texas, the County Commissioners Court appoints the commissioners to two-year terms.
A: No, they are an independent governmental entity.
A: No, they are an independent governmental entity.
A: Emergency Services Districts are allowed to levy ad valorem (property) tax. The Texas Constitution states that Emergency Services Districts may tax up to a max of $0.10 per $100 of property valuation. (A home certified at $100,000 will help fund the Emergency Services District by $100 a year) The Emergency Services District's creation documents establish the district’s initial tax rate.
Emergency Services Districts may also collect sales tax, provided an election is held and voters approve of this power. In Texas, 8.25% is the maximum allowed sales tax rate. The state collects 6.25%, leaving 2% available to eligible local jurisdictions, including Emergency Services Districts. An Emergency Services District may collect anywhere from .125% to 2% of the local sales tax rate depending on availability and subject to voter approval.
A: By law, Emergency Services District's boards must meet at least once a month. All meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act. Emergency Services Districts must also comply with the Texas Public Information Act concerning open records requests and records retention.
A: Yes, each commissioner must complete at least 6 hours of certified training in a two-year period.
A: Yes. As a political subdivision, Emergency Services Districts must comply with all Truth-in-Taxation requirements.
A: Emergency Services Districts provide services in a variety of ways. Some Emergency Services Districts chose to contract with an independent service provider, such as a fire department or