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Locals to decide fate of EMS district, state representative
The f irst f ive days of early voting for the Nov. 5 general election saw 16,439 county residents cast their ballot, according to the Texas Secretary of State.
Thi s number represent s about 27% of the county’s total 61,403 registered voters.
Alongside the critical federal and Supreme Court contests are two ballot items that will di rec t ly affec t residents in the area.
Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3 Several propositions for the creation of Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3 will be decided on by voters in the Nov. 5 election. If approved, the creation will affect property taxes in different municipalities.
Unincorporated areas of Bastrop County, the city of Bastrop, the city of Bastrop ETJ, the city of Mustang Ridge ETJ, the city of Smithville and the city of Smithvi lle ETJ will see ad valorem property tax increases not to exceed $0.10 per $100 valuation to support the creation of the emergency services district.
Elgin City Council unanimously approved a letter of intent signed by City Manager Tom Mattis with Acadian Ambulance Service, the city’s current EMS provider through Bastrop County, on Aug. 27, according to previous reporting by the Courier. The city made the decision after deciding at an earlier meeting not to place Emergency Services District No. 3 on the November ballot for locals.
The agreement made with Acadian Ambulance Service was not binding, but rather showed the city’s commitment to negotiate a more formal EMS ser vices cont ract if needed.
The decision came a f ter concerns had arisen in the community about continued ambulance services, and the letter of intent serves as a short-term safeguard for the city.
“We’ve all agreed, and council has continuously endorsed the fact that there is no decision to be made until after the election, and we see what is going on with ESD No. 3 and the county,” City Manager Tom Mattis said.
Two vie for State House Representative, District 17, seat
I nc umb e nt St at e House Representative for Dist r ict 17 Stan Gerdes, Republican, is up for reelection on the Nov. 5 ballot, while Democrat Desiree Venable is also running for the seat.
Gerdes was elected in November 2022 and assumed office in January 2023. Keeping Texas’ economy booming, cutting property taxes, securing the border and stopping China and North Korea from buying Texas agricultural land are among some of conservative Gerdes’ priorities if reelected, according to his campaign website.
“We’ve had to work around the clock to stop the problems created by the Biden-Harris Administration from hurting Texas,” Gerdes said on his campaign website. “ The good news is that the conservative policies you support and that we passed are working.”
For more information about Gerdes’ key issues and plans, visit stangerdes.com.
Venable’s priorities include expanding health care access, public education, reproductive rights, improving the immigration system, crimina l just ice reform, increasing the wage minimum, suppor ting unions and more, according to her campaign website.
“I dream that one day our government will prioritize the wants and needs of the people over personal agendas and profits of the wealthy,” Venable said on her campaign website. “When I’m granted the privilege of representing my district, I vow to provide comprehensive representation to all of my constituents, and to prioritize the needs and wishes of the majority over the desires of a select few. I vow to provide equal opportunity and protection to all. I vow to work diligently to rectify misinformation and to dispel harmful stigmas perpetuated within our communities.”
For more information about Venable’s key issues and plans, visit venablefortexas.com.
Elgin City Council has postponed its next regular meeting to Nov. 12, so as not to conflict with election day.
Election Day polling locations Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024; voting hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bastrop County participates in the countywide pol l ing place program, where voters may vote at any polling location listed below on Election Day.
• Wyldwood Baptist Church, 398 Union Chapel Rd., Cedar Creek
• Aqua Water Supply, 415 Old Austin Hwy., Bastrop
• River Valley Christian Fellowship, 1224 W. Hwy. 71, Bastrop
• Bast rop Count y Courthouse Annex, 804 Pecan St., Bastrop
• Paige Community Center, 107 S. Main St., Paige
• Bast rop Count y Community Center, 15 American Legion Dr., Bastrop
• Smithv i l le Recreation Center, 106 Royston St., Smithville
• Rosanky Community Center, 135 Main St., Rosanky
• Bast rop Count y Cedar Creek Annex, 5785 FM 535, Cedar Creek
• Red Rock Community Center, 114 Red Rock Rd., Red Rock
• Elgin Recreation Center, 361 N. Hwy. 95, Elgin
• Bast rop Count y Road and Bridge Precinct 4, 1133 Dildy Dr., Elgin
• Fa ith Lutheran Church, 230 Waco St., McDade
• Family Worship Center, 2425 FM 1704, Elgin
• Bast rop Count y ESD#2, Station 4, 1432 N. Hwy. 95, Bastrop
