F1 annexation could cost ESD thousands

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Annexing the area surrounding the Circuit of the Americas Formula One racetrack could bring thousands of dollars in tax revenue to the city of Austin.

But it is the same money that would be taken out of the pockets of Emergency Service District No. 11.

“We would lose anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million,” said ESD No. 11 Chief Ken Bailey.

ESD No. 11 has four fire stations, including one that sits just blocks away from the CoTA track . Bailey said they will be servicing the area around the track during race week regardless of annexation.

The only question is how much money they’ll have to help provide those services.

“I don’t know if there needs to be winners and losers when it comes to public safety,” said Bailey.

On Tuesday, Bailey presented a proposal to county commissioners that would include an agreement with the city of Austin.

“We want them to include us in their service plan and leave our sales tax in place,” said Bailey about the proposal.

ESD No. 11 pointed out that the Austin Fire Department stations are located on the opposite side of Interstate Highway 35 and that people living around the CoTA track will need services all year long.

Therefore, they hope the city will be willing to return some of the tax revenue at stake to the district. It is a proposal that even Bailey himself admits is unique.

“I think it is an unusual request. Something that hasn’t happened before," he said.

The proposal also includes building a joint fire station as part of the partnership with AFD.

Commissioners supported the proposal, but ultimately it will take an agreement with the city.

Bailey says he will be making the same proposal to Austin City Council members on Thursday.

Regardless of annexation or any other agreements, Bailey said ESD No. 11 will be serving the area come race weekend set for Nov. 16 through Nov. 18.