A proposal to establish a new Emergency Services District (ESD) to enhance fire and emergency medical response in West Orange and Pinehurst may be headed to the November 5, 2025, ballot. If approved, ESD No. 5 would provide dedicated firefighting, fire prevention, search and rescue, and emergency medical services for both cities, which are currently served by volunteer fire departments.
Orange County Commissioners Court has scheduled a public hearing to discuss the formation of ESD No. 5 for 9 a.m. on August 5, 2025, in the commissioners’ courtroom. Additionally, the City of West Orange will host a second public workshop on August 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to provide residents with more information about the proposed district.
The proposed ESD would encompass all of West Orange and Pinehurst, including their extraterritorial jurisdictions, according to the Orange County Commissioners Court (OCC). The initiative follows a formal petition submitted to county officials by representatives from both municipalities.
Orange County Judge John Gothia stated that while the county holds no official stance on the matter, it is required to facilitate the election process if the proper documentation is submitted, which it has been in this case. Should the proposal be approved by Commissioners Court, a special election will be held this November, allowing registered voters in both cities to determine the district’s future.
A key advantage of creating an ESD is its status as a taxing entity, which provides a dedicated funding mechanism for hiring full-time firefighters and purchasing critical equipment—something volunteer departments often struggle to afford.
Community members are strongly encouraged to attend the public meetings on August 4 and August 5 to learn more about what an ESD is and how its formation could impact local property owners and emergency response capabilities.
The photo below is the territory the ESD will serve.
