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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming PEWITT CISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 9) |
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Vote on New Tax Levy, Rate Not Disclosed
The board will vote to approve the new tax roll and levy, which determines the final property tax bill for district residents. The agenda does not state the proposed tax rate or compare it to the no-new-revenue rate, hiding whether this is a net tax increase for homeowners.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Pewitt CISD board before the meeting. ‘Regarding Items 10.K and 10.L, what is the proposed tax rate, and how does it compare to the no-new-revenue rate? Taxpayers deserve to know if you are voting for a tax increase.’
💰 Impact: Potential Property Tax Increase
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Vague ‘Budget Amendments’ Lack Detail
Item 10.F proposes ‘budget amendments across functions’ without providing any specific details on what money is being moved, from where, or for what purpose. This lack of transparency makes it impossible for taxpayers to see how their money is being reallocated.
Response
Contact the district office and ask for the detailed line-item budget amendments for Item 10.F to be posted online before the vote. ‘Please provide the specific details for the proposed budget amendments so the public can understand these spending changes.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending Shifts
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| WATCH (LEVEL 3) |
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Proposal to Change Board Meeting Dates
The board is considering changing the dates for its December, January, and March meetings. Changes to established meeting schedules can sometimes be used to reduce public attendance and scrutiny on key votes.
Response
Ask the board to state the reason for changing the meeting dates in Item 10.M. ‘Please publicly explain the reason for changing the established meeting schedule and confirm the new dates will not reduce public accessibility.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 7) |
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District Taps Savings, Avoids New Debt for Projects
The board plans to use its ‘Fund Balance’ (savings) to pay for track drainage improvements and a new transit vehicle. This is a fiscally responsible move that avoids issuing new debt and burdening taxpayers with interest payments.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE WIN: Email the board to thank them for using savings instead of debt on Items 10.D and 10.G. ‘Thank you for using the district’s fund balance for capital projects. This is responsible stewardship of our tax dollars.’
✅ Why It Matters: Avoids New Debt
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