NEW DIANA, Texas — This election season, New Diana ISD voters are considering a tax rate increase that school district officials hope will cover inflation costs, balance its budget and help continue existing programs.
The school district in August called for tax ratification election for this year's Nov. 7 election.
If approved, the total tax rate would be $0.8937, but if voters declined the increase the rate would be $0.7932. For example, an annual tax payment for a home valued at $200,000 and with the $100,000 state exemption would rise from $793.20 to $893.70.
People who are age 65 and older will not see a tax increase if the election measure was approved.
According to the New Diana ISD website, the potential tax revenue increase is needed to provide for unfunded mandates from the state and the Texas Education Agency, continuing existing programs, inflation costs and balancing the budget to meet instructional needs of students and provide for high quality programs.
"A little-known fact that most people don't know is that if you have a discrepancy between your local tax base and the state comptroller's office, then you lose money. As a result of that discrepancy this past year, which we have no control over, we lost half a million dollars almost overnight," said Carl Kay, New Diana ISD Superintendent.
Kay said if the tax rate increase is approved it will help the district address several critical areas, including the restoration of funding for previously reduced programs.
"One program that I can speak to that we cut this year was all of our UIL academics. We spend a disproportionate amount of our budget compared to other districts our size on our programs," Kay said. "That's not a bad thing to say; we're spending money on our programs. It's not all about reading, writing, and arithmetic; there's a lot of other things that interest and keep kids in school."
School officials say the extra $0.17 (if approved) would provide the district with about $1.5 million.
"The community in prior years has approved $0.0695 of the $0.17. The district is asking the community to approve the remaining $0.1005," NDISD said on its website.
Early voting is ongoing for Upshur and Harrison County residents within the school district area with Election Day being held Nov. 7. For more information, visit New Diana ISD website here.