Prop A fails in Pflugerville: What this means for Travis Co. ESD No. 2
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Voters in Pflugerville rejected Proposition A, which would have allowed the city to reduce 1% sales and use tax to just a half-percent.
In a news release, Travis County ESD No. 2, also known as the Pflugerville Fire Department, said if Prop A would have passed, it would have needed to cut more than 130 positions and close "multiple fire stations."
The group that called for the reduction, Pflugerville Residents for Responsible Taxation (PfRRT), said it wanted to bring EMS services back to the county as opposed to paying for private ambulances.
David Rogers, Pflugerville City Council, Place 6, said he looks forward to finding a way to have access to EMS services in the city.
"I am grateful to everyone who supported and believed in Envisioning a better Ambulance Service and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pfuture in Pflugerville.
I remain committed to transparent, efficient, and locally responsible EMS and medical services.
I am inspired by the countless Pflugerville residents who came forward to voice their concerns, ask thoughtful questions, and actively participate in the conversation about our community’s needs.
The engagement and passion of our people make Pflugerville strong and resilient. Like Austin, we Pflugervillians are thoughtful. Unlike Austin, when we sometimes reach different conclusions, we do so in a spirit of mutual understanding, goodwill and neighborly discussion, not vituperation.
Our efforts have opened the door for future conversations and actions that will address local EMS services, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and representation.
I look forward to finding common ground and collaborating for Pflugerville’s Pfuture."
David Rogers
Pflugerville City Council, Place 6
"This would reduce our budget by approximately 40%,” Pflugerville Fire Department Chief Nick Perkins told KXAN in August.
He said Prop A would have also affected emergency response times.
David Rogers, a spokesperson for (PfRRT), previously told KXAN Prop A would not have defunded the department.
Additionally, if Prop A had passed, it would have raised homeowners insurance by up to 30-50%, the release said.
“We are incredibly grateful to the voters for standing with us and making public safety a priority,” Nick Perkins, fire chief for Travis County ESD No. 2, said in the release. “This is a victory for all of the Pflugerville area and means that our firefighters and paramedics can continue to deliver the lifesaving services this community relies on without interruption. We take pride in serving our neighbors, and today’s result reaffirms the trust our residents have placed in us to keep them safe.”
According to the department, the agency serves nearly 160,00 residents.
Barrett Tryon contributed to this report