By N. Bradford
For Pearland ISD taxpayers, a possible November election comes down to nine pennies, district Superintendent Larry Berger said during the first of two public meetings addressing the topic.
Facing a budget deficit, a nearly 20 percent inflation rate and growing list of facility needs, the school district is considering a VATRE — or Voter Approval Tax Rate Election. State law requires school districts get voter approval to raise the maintenance and operations tax rate above a maximum specified amount.
The board is expected make a decision on whether to hold the election at its Aug. 21 regular meeting.
“We are basically asking the voters to allow us to increase the tax rate by nine pennies,” Berger said. “And that requires a vote.”
A successful election would provide the district with an estimated $11 million to balance the budget, provide state mandated armed guards on each campus and maintain facilities, Berger said.
“We have unfunded mandates. We have teacher and staff compensation we have to keep up with. We have aging infrastructure, and these are issues that drain our limited resources,” he said.
The tax impact, he said, results in a tax decrease either way. With the nine cents, the school tax rate is just over $1.13 per $100 valuation. The owner of a $240,000 home saves $547 less on the annual tax bill.
“That is the lowest Pearland ISD tax rate ever,” Berger said.
Without it, the rate is just over $1.04, saving the average homestead roughly $764.
A second community meeting is planned for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Virgil Gant Education Center, 1928 N. Main St.
