The Friendswood ISD Board of Trustees has proposed reducing the property tax rate that funds the school district. If approved, the overall tax rate would be reduced from $1.08 to $1.04 per $100 of assessed property value. The move would mean a $200 reduction in annual taxes on a home valued at $500,000.
The proposed reduction comes as FISD prepares to close out its fiscal year with a balanced budget, a significant turnaround from the $2.45 million deficit anticipated at this time last year. School Board President Tony Hopkins attributed the successful budget outcome to a combination of factors, including spending controls, increased student enrollment, higher attendance rates, increased interest income, and a rise in community education enrollment.
Hopkins shared his thoughts on the district’s financial performance via Facebook, expressing gratitude to the district staff and parents: “With just over two weeks to go in the fiscal year, we will have a balanced budget for 2023-24. Thanks to all of our staff for being mindful of taxpayer money and for the parents for getting their kids to school.”
Under state law, funding for FISD is capped based on student attendance. Any additional revenue generated by the district is redistributed by the state to other districts, making effective financial management crucial for the district’s operations.
A public hearing on the proposed tax rate will be held on August 26th at 7 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion as the school board finalizes its decision.
