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Tax Rate Vote Includes Plan for Higher Debt Taxes
The board is voting on the new property tax rate, but the real story is hidden in the details. They are considering setting the debt portion of your tax bill higher than what’s needed for this year’s payments (Item 5.D). At the same time, they plan to give an unnamed official the power to execute a complex bond payoff scheme called ‘defeasance’ (Item 5.F). This could be a smart refinancing, or it could be a way to collect more tax money now without a clear public explanation of the costs and benefits. Taxpayers deserve to know exactly what this plan entails before their tax rate is set.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: This is a combined budget and tax rate hearing. Attend the meeting and use the public comment period. Ask the board: ‘Why is the debt service tax rate being set above the minimum? What is the total cost of the defeasance plan in Item 5.F, and what are the projected savings? Why is the authority to execute this plan being delegated instead of voted on in a public meeting with all details disclosed?’ Contact the Ennis ISD Board of Trustees through the district website and demand a clear explanation before the vote.
💰 Impact: Increased debt service tax levy beyond minimum requirements.
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