ABOUT HIDALGO COUNTY ESD 3 AND OUR MISSION

The primary mission of the Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 3 ("ESD No. 3") is provide for the availability of emergency ambulance service to the area of ESD No. 3. The ISD No. 3 is a political subdivision located in Hidalgo County, Texas. In 1987 voters in our area passed a referendum to create the Rural Fire Prevention District No. 3.

The primary purpose for the creation of the entity was to provide for the availability of emergency ambulance service to unincorporated areas within Hidalgo County Precinct 4 which were not otherwise being guaranteed service from ambulance companies because of their rural nature. Once organized, the entity provided for the availability of emergency ambulance service by contracting with available qualified ambulance companies to agree to provide service in our area in exchange for a set subsidy intended to offset the economic loss from operating in such rural areas. 

In 2003, the Texas Legislature converted all then existing rural fire prevention districts to the current "Emergency Services Districts". The Texas Health and Safety Code creates the mission of our entity and provides most of the guidance as to what its powers and duties are

The coverage area of the ESD No. 3 is an approximately 600 square mile area located to the north and east of Edinburg including areas such the Linn San Manuel area and the San Carlos area, going all the way to the north county line (maps of the general area of the ESD No. 3 can be found below). In addition, our contracted emergency ambulance service, the Linn San Manuel Volunteer Fire Department ("LSMVFD") provides First Responder services for medical calls. The ESD No. 3 has also throughout the years provided financial contribution to other political subdivisions such as the County of Hidalgo and nearby City of Edinburg during their construction of facilities which ultimately provide a benefit to the area of the ESD No. 3 and its residents receiving emergency services.

All of this is made possible by collecting property taxes on property located within the boundaries of the ESD No. 3. Because the ESD No. 3 has a fiduciary duty with the spending of your tax dollars, the Board of Commissioners of the ESD No. 3 strives to make the best and most efficient use of taxpayer dollars in following its mission.

2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASE