HAMSHIRE, Texas — Voters in Jefferson County approved Proposition A on Tuesday, allowing Emergency Services District 5 to keep a portion of state sales tax revenue to expand local emergency medical and fire services in rural areas.

The proposition passed with 147 votes or 61% of the total 241 votes.

The approval ensures that a share of the existing 8.25% state sales tax will now stay within Jefferson County to fund first responders, new equipment, and improved response times. Officials emphasized that the measure does not raise taxes but redirects money already being paid by residents and visitors.

“This is not a tax increase. It simply keeps more of our tax dollars local,” said Justin Chesson, chief of the Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department, which contracts with Jefferson County ESD

See Full Page