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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming CALDWELL ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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New Debt Through ‘Lease Agreement’?
The board is voting on an unspecified ‘Lease Agreement.’ These agreements are often used as a backdoor method to take on long-term debt for buildings or equipment without voter approval, obligating taxpayers for years to come.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The agenda does not include the proposed ‘Lease Agreement.’ Contact the Caldwell ISD administration and demand the full contract be posted online before the board votes on this item. Taxpayers have a right to see the terms of any new debt.
💰 Impact: Potential Long-Term Debt
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague $50,000+ Purchase on Agenda
The board plans to approve a purchase exceeding $50,000 with no description of what is being bought or from whom. This lack of transparency prevents taxpayers from scrutinizing a major expenditure of their money.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Caldwell ISD board before the meeting. ‘Regarding the ‘Purchase Over $50K’ on the agenda, what is being purchased, from which vendor, and for what exact amount? This item should not be approved without full public disclosure.’
💰 Impact: $50,000+
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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New Consultant for ‘Fiber Optic Assessment’
The district is set to approve an agreement for a ‘Diagnostic & Assessment’ of its fiber optic infrastructure. These vague consultant contracts often lack clear deliverables or costs, opening the door to mission creep and future spending with little accountability.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The agreement for the ‘Fiber Optic Infrastructure Diagnostic & Assessment’ was not attached to the public agenda. Contact the district office and ask for a copy of the contract, the total cost, and the specific deliverables before the board votes.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Consultant Fees
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| WATCH (LEVEL 3) |
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Early Warning on Facility Spending Plan
The board is beginning discussions on ‘Long Term Facility Planning.’ This is the first step in a process that often leads to multi-million dollar bond proposals and significant property tax increases.
Response
MONITOR AND ENGAGE: This is an informational item, but it’s the time to get involved. Attend the meeting or email the board to ask that all facility planning discussions prioritize maintenance of existing assets and fiscal responsibility over new construction.
💰 Impact: Future Bond/Debt
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