|
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming O’DONNELL ISD agenda. There are 2 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
|
Tax Rate Vote Lacks Key Information
The board is voting to adopt the 2026-2027 tax rate of $1.3067 per $100 valuation. However, the agenda fails to provide the most critical number for taxpayers: the ‘no-new-revenue rate.’ This is the rate that would bring in the same amount of property tax revenue as last year. Without this comparison, it’s impossible for the public to know if this vote is a hidden tax increase, as rising property values can mean a lower rate still results in a higher tax bill.
Response
SHOW UP & ASK THE QUESTION: Attend the public meeting on the budget and tax rate. During the open forum, ask the board: ‘What is the no-new-revenue tax rate, and how does the proposed rate of $1.3067 compare? Please state for the record the percentage increase in the total tax levy this new rate will generate.’ Demand they publish these numbers before the vote.
💰 Impact: A potential property tax increase passed without full context for the public.
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
|
Board to Discuss Filling Vacancy Without an Election
The board will discuss a vacancy on the school board. Taxpayers should monitor how this vacancy will be filled. Appointing a new member, rather than holding a special election, denies voters the right to choose their own representative. While appointments can be legal in certain circumstances, they reduce direct accountability to the public.
Response
MONITOR & DEMAND AN ELECTION: Contact the O’Donnell ISD board. ‘Regarding the board vacancy discussed in Item VIII.E, I urge you to fill this position through a special election, not by appointment. The voters of this district deserve the right to choose their representative.’
💰 Impact: Loss of voter representation if the board chooses to appoint a replacement instead of calling an election.
|
|
|
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
TPPF is a conservative think tank whose mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation.
Contribute to the mission
Powered by Sentinel Engine |