Emergency Services District 2

AUSTIN, Texas – A new report by The Perryman Group finds that emergency services districts (ESDs) generate estimated savings of up to $528.2 million in annual gross product and create up to 5,188 jobs when compared to municipalities across Texas offering similar services.

ESDs are political subdivisions similar to school districts across Texas and much like school districts, they serve the public with essential needs. ESDs provide fire and EMS services to more than eight million Texans and are created by grassroots campaigns and approved by voters.

“The Perryman Group report has reinforced what we already knew – that emergency services districts are offering cutting edge fire and EMS services to the communities they serve – and doing so by spending less than municipalities offering similar services,” Cliff Avery, executive director of the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D), said.

“Our state is facing an economic crunch due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the need to protect lives and property remains the same. ESDs save taxpayer money, create jobs and contribute greatly to economic impact,” he added.

The Perryman Group, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. M. Ray Perryman, has extensive experience in addressing complex economic information. The Perryman Group’s in-house professionals bring expertise in finance, statistics, economics, real estate, valuation and systems analysis, among others.

Their analysis of ESDs estimated the economic benefits of the cost savings associated with ESDs compared to other options, such as receiving the same services from a municipality.

"Our finding, that ESDs are an effective and cost-efficient way for fire and EMS services to be delivered to the communities that reside in an ESD, was compelling," Dr. Perryman said. "In addition to statewide economic benefits, ESDs have a significant impact on potential insurance savings when assuming a 3% rate reduction, which is in line with available evidence, generating an additional $26.6 million and creating 261 jobs in relevant industries."

ESDs are constitutionally limited in their taxing authority to 10 cents per $100 of valuation. In comparison, municipalities often spend three times that amount. For the report, the Perryman Group assumed 14 cents per $100 taxed by municipalities for their low-end maintenance-and-operation tax scenario and 18 cents taxed by municipalities for their high-end scenario.

The full report can be found by clicking this link. Dr. Perryman discusses his findings in a video interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDYmyQ-5X64&t=13s.

About SAFE-D

Established in 2001, the Texas State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts (SAFE-D) represents 251 of the 334 emergency services districts (ESDs) across the state of Texas. Its primary purpose is to support the men and women of ESDs in Texas. As Texas outgrows the abilities of cities and rural volunteer fire departments, ESDs are on the cutting edge of providing fire protection and emergency medical response to large portions of the state. SAFE-D serves ESDs that provide fire protection, emergency medical services or both to an estimated eight million Texans. To learn more visit: https://www.safe-d.org/.

About The Perryman Group
The Perryman Group is a focused team of analysts who know how to address any economic information task and present findings effectively. Its in-house professionals bring expertise in economics, finance, statistics, mathematics, real estate, valuation, systems analysis, engineering, technical communications, and marketing. Dr. Ray Perryman, president and CEO, has 40 years of experience in developing systems, analyzing complex problems, and communicating effectively. To learn more visit: https://www.perrymangroup.com/home/