|
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming THORNDALE ISD agenda and found 7 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
|
Vague Agenda Item Hides Potential Tax Giveaway
The board is voting on an item listed only as ‘TEC 308.’ Texas Education Code Chapter 308 allows school districts to enter into Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreements, which are complex deals that give away future property tax revenue to developers, shifting the long-term tax burden to homeowners.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Thorndale ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Item 12, ‘TEC 308,’ is unacceptably vague. This appears to be a vote on a tax increment financing deal. I demand this item be explained in plain English and that a roll-call vote be taken.’
💰 Impact: Future Tax Revenue Giveaway
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
|
Key Nomination for County Appraisal District Board
The school board will nominate candidates for the Milam County Appraisal District (MCAD) Board of Directors. The MCAD board oversees the process of appraising property values, which directly impacts every property owner’s tax bill.
Response
INFLUENCE THE NOMINATION: Contact the Thorndale ISD Board before the meeting. ‘Regarding Item 15, please nominate candidates to the Milam CAD board who have a demonstrated commitment to protecting property owners and ensuring fair and transparent appraisals.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Appraisals
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
|
District Discussing Future Bond Debt
The board is holding a discussion on a ‘Potential Future Bond.’ This is the earliest stage of planning for a new bond, which means new debt and potentially higher property taxes for residents.
Response
GET INVOLVED EARLY: Attend the meeting to hear the discussion on Item 13.B. Contact the board: ‘As you discuss a potential future bond, please prioritize taxpayer affordability and commit to a transparent process with ample public input before any decisions are made.’
💰 Impact: Future Property Tax Hikes
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
|
Potential Bond Project Scope Creep
The board is considering adding sidewalks and parking enhancements to the Phase 2 bond project. This could represent ‘scope creep,’ where projects expand beyond what voters originally approved, leading to higher costs.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Thorndale ISD Board. ‘Regarding Items 8 and 9, are these additions being paid for from bond contingency funds or new funds? Please clarify how this changes the total cost of the voter-approved bond project.’
💰 Impact: Potential Cost Overruns
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
|
Undisclosed District Improvement Plans
The board is set to approve the District Improvement Plans for the upcoming year, but the plans are not included in the public agenda packet. These documents outline district priorities and can include new programs with hidden costs or ideological focuses.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The District Improvement Plans for Item 14 were not attached. Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and demand the plans be posted online for public review before the vote.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Policy Changes
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
|
Undisclosed Budget Amendments
The board plans to vote on unspecified ‘budget amendments.’ This vague description makes it impossible for taxpayers to know how their money is being reallocated between programs or if new spending is being approved.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Thorndale ISD Board. ‘Regarding Item 21, please provide a detailed list of the proposed budget amendments and the reason for each change before the board votes.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
|
Undisclosed Library and Classroom Book List
The board is voting to approve a list of new library and classroom books, but the list of titles has not been published with the agenda. Parents and taxpayers have a right to know what materials are being purchased with their money for student instruction.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The list of books for Item 10 was not attached. Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and ask for the proposed book list to be published online before the board votes.
💰 Impact: Lack of Transparency
|
|
|
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
TPPF is a conservative think tank whose mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation.
Contribute to the mission
Powered by Sentinel Engine |