No increase in tax rate

When is “no increase in tax rate” called a tax increase? Apparently anytime a bond issue ballot has been printed in Texas since 2019.

Center ISD voters go to the polls Saturday, May 7 to decide the fate of $12 million in bonds for expansion and improvement of school facilities. Proponents of the bond noted that even though there will be no increase in the tax rate if the bond is approved by voters, the ballot states, “This is a tax increase.”

The requirement for the tax increase language on the ballot came as part of new laws passed by the state legislature in Austin during the 2019 legislative session. The new law requires every district in Texas to include this language on a bond ballot, regardless of the expected tax rate to be set.

Many school districts have reportedly asked why it is required. Despite the misleading statement required on the ballot, school districts have passed bond elections since 2019 with no tax rate increases including the Carthage School District in 2020.

Supporters of Center’s two-proposition bond issue point to how the district has outgrown current facilities while student enrollment—as well as student participation in athletic and band activities—continues to increase.

The CISD bond Proposition A provides for the issuance of $8 million in bonds to construct a multipurpose gymnasium/auditorium for all girls athletic programs, a practice and performance facility for girls and boys sports, a venue for district-wide student convocations, and serve as a shelter for small animal ag-related programs.

Proposition B provides for the issuance of $4 million in bonds to build a multipurpose covered athletic practice facility that will be an all-weather practice facility for multiple girls/boys sports, and serve as an all-weather practice facility for band and cheer activities.

In summary, CISD indicates that there will be no tax rate increase associated with this bond if approved.

Early voting began Monday April 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community House, 425 San Augustine Street in Center and continues through Friday, April 29, and Monday and Tuesday, May 2 – 3.

Election Day voting is Saturday, May 7, also at the Community House in Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.