Ambulance service in Bastrop County has a new operator. Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3 took over EMS operations from Acadian Ambulance on Oct. 1, 2026, with new staff, new equipment and expanded response capabilities, according to Community Impact.
What changed on Oct. 1?
The district now runs its own fire and EMS operations. Acadian’s contract ran from June 2025 through September 2026. District leaders told Community Impact:
- The fleet is larger, with bigger and better-equipped ambulances.
- Protocols are updated, and there are more units on the road.
- A third peak-load ambulance was added in January to add system capacity.
Each ambulance carries ventilators, IV pumps, heart monitors and medications for several kinds of emergencies. EMS supervisors carry ultrasound equipment.
Back in April, Community Impact reported that once the district was fully operational, stationed units would rise from four per day to a maximum of 11.
What does it mean for residents?
The district’s communications center manager told Community Impact the biggest change for residents is that medical insurance payments are considered payment in full. If you have questions about a specific bill, ask the district directly.
In an emergency, call 911.
How much does the district cost homeowners?
Community Impact reports these numbers for fiscal year 2026-27:
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| ESD tax rate | $0.10 per $100 of taxable value, unchanged |
| Average homestead value | $308,252 |
| Bill on that value | $308.25 |
| Change from last year | About 9 cents more |
The small increase comes from a $90 rise in average taxable value. The article does not spell out the district’s boundaries, so check with the district or your property tax statement for your own address.
What comes next?
The district will begin evaluating future growth after the start of the year, as demand projections keep rising. Community Impact’s coverage also shows a rendering of an upcoming Bastrop regional station.
New to Bastrop County?
An emergency services district can be one of the lines on your property tax bill. Our first property tax bill explainer walks through how to read your statement, and our Moving to Bastrop guide covers the rest of settling in.
Frequently asked questions
- Who runs ambulance service in Bastrop County now?
- Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3 took over EMS operations from Acadian Ambulance on Oct. 1, 2026, according to Community Impact.
- What changes for Bastrop County residents with the new EMS service?
- The district's communications center manager told Community Impact the biggest change for residents is that medical insurance payments are considered payment in full.
- How much is the Bastrop County ESD No. 3 tax?
- The 2026-27 rate is $0.10 per $100 of taxable value, unchanged from last year. On the average homestead value of $308,252, that comes to a bill of $308.25.
- Are more ambulances coming to Bastrop County?
- The district says its fleet is now larger, with bigger and better-equipped ambulances. A district leader said it will begin evaluating future growth after the start of the year.
Sources
- Community Impact: Bastrop County ESD No. 3 begins new era of EMS service
- Community Impact: Burn ban, AI tools and more, 5 Bastrop-area updates
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