Texas Public Policy Foundation Alert: DIME BOX ISD – Thursday, August 27, 2026

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming DIME BOX ISD agenda. There are 3 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.

🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9)

Vote to Set Your 2026-2027 Property Tax Bill

📅 August 27, 2026

The school board is holding a public hearing and will then vote to set the property tax rate for the upcoming year. This is the single most important vote determining how much homeowners will pay in school taxes. Taxpayers must find out if the proposed rate is above the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, which constitutes a tax increase regardless of whether the rate itself goes up or down.

Response

PACK THE ROOM: This is your only chance to speak before the board votes on your tax bill. Show up for the Public Hearing on the Tax Rate and Budget. Ask the board directly: ‘Are you adopting the no-new-revenue tax rate? If not, why are you voting to raise our taxes?’ Demand they announce the no-new-revenue rate and the proposed rate clearly before the vote.

💰 Impact: Potential property tax increase if the adopted rate exceeds the no-new-revenue rate.

🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5)

Undisclosed Cost for Staff Incentive Pay

📅 August 27, 2026

The board is voting on an ‘Incentive Pay’ program for returning staff. While retaining good teachers is important, the agenda provides no details on the total cost of this program or how it will be funded. This is a new spending item that will be paid for by taxpayers without a clear price tag attached.

Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Before the board approves a new spending program, taxpayers deserve to know the price tag. Contact the Dime Box ISD administration and ask: ‘What is the total cost of the Returning Staff Incentive Pay in Item 9.F? How is it being funded, and is this a one-time or recurring expense?’

💰 Impact: The total cost of the incentive program is not stated in the agenda.

ALERT (LEVEL 4)

Blank Check for Bus and Security Upgrades

📅 August 27, 2026

The board plans to vote on purchasing a new activity bus and upgrading security cameras and servers. These are potentially large expenses, but the agenda does not disclose the cost of either item. Taxpayers have a right to know how much of their money is being spent before the board approves the purchases.

Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Dime Box ISD administration and ask: ‘What is the total cost for the Activity Bus Purchase (Item 9.D) and the Security Camera Upgrade (Item 9.E)? Were these items competitively bid?’

💰 Impact: The total cost for the bus and security equipment is not stated.

District Info

Address

1079 STEPHEN F AUSTIN BLVD, DIME BOX, TX 77853

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