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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming TAHOKA ISD agenda. There are 3 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Tax Rate Vote Lacks Key Information
The board is scheduled to adopt the 2026-27 property tax rates (M&O rate of .7637 and I&S rate of .2944). However, the agenda fails to provide the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, which is the tax rate that would raise the same amount of money as the previous year. Without this crucial benchmark, taxpayers cannot determine if this vote is a tax increase.
Response
ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING: During the public hearing on the budget (Item 4), ask the board to state the no-new-revenue rate and the voter-approval rate. Demand they explain how the proposed rate will impact the average homeowner’s tax bill before they vote.
💰 Impact: The difference between the proposed tax levy and the no-new-revenue levy is not disclosed.
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague Agenda Item Allows for Surprise Votes
The agenda includes an item for ‘Other Business: Action/Discussion.’ This vague title does not give the public adequate notice of what topics might be discussed or voted on, which may not comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act. It creates a loophole for the board to introduce last-minute items without public scrutiny.
Response
CHALLENGE THE PROCESS: During public comment, ask the Board President to specify what topics fall under ‘Other Business’ or to remove the item from the agenda to ensure compliance with the Open Meetings Act’s requirement for specific public notice.
💰 Impact: Potential for surprise spending or policy changes passed without public notice.
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Voting on Undisclosed Changes to Last Year’s Budget
The board plans to approve amendments to the 2025-2026 budget, which has already closed. The agenda provides no details or attached documents explaining what these changes are, how much money is being moved, or why. This is a vote on past spending without an itemized receipt.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Tahoka ISD administration before the meeting. Ask for a copy of the proposed budget amendments for Item 7. The public has a right to see what changes are being made to the budget, even for a prior year.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed. Could represent significant re-allocation of funds after the fact.
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