Nacogdoches County ESD #2

History of Nacogdoches County Rural Fire Protection and Formation of Nacogdoches County ESD #2

Early Fire Protection in Nacogdoches County (Pre-ESD Era)

Fire protection in Nacogdoches County began as a community-led, volunteer effort, like in many rural Texas counties. Across the state, local residents historically organized volunteer fire departments to protect property and life in areas not served by municipal fire departments. These volunteer fire departments were typically supported by community fundraising, donations, and grants.

In Nacogdoches County, several community-based volunteer fire departments served different regions, including the Cushing Volunteer Fire Department, Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department, and Sacul Volunteer Fire Department—all of which provide primary fire protection and emergency response in the areas that now make up ESD #2.

Texas Emergency Services District Model

In the mid-to-late 20th century, the Texas Legislature established the legal framework for Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) under state law to improve rural emergency services. ESDs are special political subdivisions of the State of Texas empowered to provide fire protection, emergency medical services, and related emergency services. They can levy property taxes, issue bonds, and enter contracts with fire departments or other service providers.

To create an ESD, local residents petition the County Commissioners Court for an election. If the court finds the proposal feasible and beneficial to public safety, it orders an election. Upon voter approval, the ESD is established and governed by a locally appointed Board of Commissioners.

Formation of Nacogdoches County ESD #2

Following this statewide model, Nacogdoches County Emergency Services District #2 was formed to formalize and fund fire protection and emergency services in the rural communities east and northeast of the City of Nacogdoches, including Cushing and surrounding areas. Since its creation, ESD #2 has provided a structured, tax-supported mechanism to ensure consistent funding for fire apparatus, training, equipment, and operations where municipal services are not available.

ESD #2 contracts with multiple volunteer fire departments to deliver these services, ensuring fire protection and emergency response coverage across its jurisdiction. The contracted departments include:

• Cushing Volunteer Fire Department
• Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department
• Sacul Volunteer Fire Department

Role and Developments Over Time

Over the years, ESD #2 has continued to support its contracted departments through revenue from ad valorem property taxes and other authorized funding mechanisms to maintain emergency readiness. Like many rural ESDs in Texas, it has faced budgetary challenges tied to rising operational costs and seeks community support for adequate funding to sustain services.

Today, Nacogdoches County ESD #2 remains a vital part of the county’s emergency response network, ensuring that citizens in rural and unincorporated areas receive timely and effective fire protection and emergency services.

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History of Nacogdoches County Emergency Services District #2 Tax Rates:

• On May 4, 2002, a Special Election was held establishing the Nacogdoches County Rural Fire Prevention District No. 2 and setting a tax rate of $0.03 per $100 valuation of taxable property within the district.
• On May 13, 2002, an Order was passed by the Nacogdoches County Commissioners’ Court decreeing that the election was duly and legally held, thereby forming Nacogdoches County Rural Fire District Number 2 under Article III, Section 48-d of the Texas Constitution. This order was signed by all five members of the Commissioners’ Court. The tax rate set in 2002 was not increased for nearly 23 years and, in some years, was less than $0.02 per $100 valuation.
• On May 3,  2025, a special election was held establishing the Nacodoches County  ESD2 B tax rate increase to $0.10 per $100 valuation to support continued and expanded emergency services within the district.