2025 CAD Election

What is a County Assistance District (CAD)?

A County Assistance District, or CAD, is a voter-approved district that allows a county to collect a small sales tax in unincorporated areas. The money raised stays local and is used to support community needs such as road improvements, public safety, emergency services, drainage, sanitation, parks, libraries, and even economic development projects. 

Unlike city governments or single-purpose districts, a CAD is managed by the county and is funded through sales tax rather than property taxes. This gives counties a tool to reinvest in areas outside of city limits that may not otherwise have access to certain services. For example, CAD funding can help improve rural roads, provide resources for volunteer fire departments or EMS, strengthen law enforcement coverage, or support public health programs. In Waller County, officials have looked at the idea of using a CAD to capture sales tax revenue for mobility projects and emergency services. The goal is to make sure rural and unincorporated communities have access to reliable infrastructure and public safety support while keeping the funds invested in the areas where they are collected.

Why Waller County is Considering a County Assistance District

Waller County, like many fast-growing communities in Texas, faces increasing demands for services that support public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life. State law allows counties to create County Assistance Districts (CADs) as a way to fund these types of needs through a voter-approved sales and use tax.

The purpose of proposing a CAD is to provide an additional funding mechanism beyond property taxes. By using sales tax revenue, the financial responsibility can be shared more broadly—both by residents and by visitors who shop, dine, or do business in Waller County.

If approved by voters, revenue from a CAD may be used for:

  • Public Safety Support – helping ensure adequate equipment, staffing, and emergency response resources.

  • Roads and Infrastructure – maintaining and improving local transportation networks.

  • Community Services – funding projects that enhance everyday life for residents, such as parks, libraries, or other permitted uses under state law.

Ultimately, the decision to create a County Assistance District rests with the voters. The proposal is meant to provide information about how this tool could help Waller County meet the needs of a growing population while balancing funding sources.