Hidalgo County

Emergency Services District 5

Empowering Responders. Protecting Communities.

Hidalgo County

Emergency Services District 5

Empowering Responders. Protecting Communities.

How Were We Created

Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 5 started with a petition signed by at least 100 voters in the proposed district, which was then presented to the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court.

The Commissioner’s Court approved the petition and deemed the creation of Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 5 feasible and necessary and therefore, an election was called on May 3, 2025 on which the voters in the proposed District voted to create the District. A majority of the votes were cast in favor of creating Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 5.

What Territory Is Included In Hidalgo County ESD No. 5

In addition to the unincorporated Hidalgo County Precinct No. 3 not located within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of any municipality, the municipal boundaries of the City of Alton, Texas, the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Alton, Texas, the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of La Joya, Texas, the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Mission, Texas and the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Palmhurst.

What Is An Emergency Services District

An Emergency Services District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, similar to a School District, Library District or Hospital District. There are currently over 300 ESDs in over 90 Counties in Texas. Hidalgo County Emergency Services District No. 5 will be providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in partnership with Hidalgo County ESD 6, which will deliver fire suppression services to the community. A Board of five commissioners appointed by the Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court govern the ESD, which are required to have at least one meeting a month. 

ESDs provide a steady, stable financial source for emergency services, eliminating reliance on less consistent revenue streams like fundraisers or sporadic donations. This funding supports better-equipped, well-trained emergency medical personnel, which translates to faster response times and a higher quality of service when every moment counts.


For residents and businesses within the district, the presence of an ESD can result in overall cost savings and generate economic benefits for the local community.

Medical personnel treating a person on a stretcher.

Learn About ESD 5

Learn more about HCESD5 and our commitment to providing reliable emergency services, supporting our first responders, and keeping our community safe through dedication, transparency, and teamwork.

Red fire truck with

 Meetings & Agendas


 Learn more about the District Meetings. The meeting documents are available for download.

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Board of Commissioners


 Meet our dedicated commissioners who work to ensure accountability and excellence in serving our community.

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