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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming ORANGEFIELD ISD agenda and found 3 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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Taxpayer Funds Used for Lobbyist Conferences
The Superintendent’s report lists district participation in events hosted by TASA and TASB (Items 9.K and 9.M). These are Austin-based lobbying associations that use local tax dollars to advocate against property tax relief, parental rights, and educational freedom at the state level.
Response
DEMAND AN END TO TAXPAYER-FUNDED LOBBYING: Contact the Board of Trustees (contact info on the district website). ‘Regarding Items 9.K and 9.M, taxpayers should not be forced to pay for district officials to associate with groups that lobby against our interests in Austin. I urge the board to withdraw its membership from TASA and TASB.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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‘Blank Check’ Budget Amendment Vote
The board is scheduled to vote on a ‘Budget Amendment’ under Item 15.B with no supporting documents or explanation provided in the public agenda. This practice denies taxpayers the ability to see what money is being moved and why before the board takes action, undermining basic fiscal transparency.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Board of Trustees. ‘Item 15.B, the Budget Amendment, has no public documentation. The board must postpone this vote until the proposed amendment and its full fiscal impact are posted for public review.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending Changes
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Undisclosed Cost for New Athletic Turf Project
The board is set to act on a ‘CMAR Contract’ for a new athletic turf project (Item 12.B) without disclosing the total cost or funding source to the public. This lack of transparency prevents taxpayers from weighing in on a significant capital expense that could impact future budgets or debt.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board of Trustees before the meeting. ‘Regarding Item 12.B, what is the total cost of the turf project, and how will it be funded? Taxpayers deserve to see the full price tag and funding source before any contract is approved.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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