NOLANVILLE, Texas (KWTX) - As population growth strains local emergency response resources, voters in Bell County will decide whether to establish a dedicated funding source for area fire departments after a similar measure failed to pass last year.

If approved, Emergency Services District 3 (ESD 3) would create an independent local government entity designed to fund fire protection and emergency medical services across Nolanville, Sparta, and central Bell County.

There are currently 369 ESDs operating across Texas.