Informational sessions are planned by the Taylor Independent School District focused on a proposed $147 million bond issue and a voter-approved tax rate election Nov. 4.
The meetings are designed to help the community learn more about Proposition A — the bond package — and Proposition B, which is the school funding election or VATRE.
Early voting is Oct. 20-Oct. 31.
Sessions include:
• 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Taylor Middle School, 304 Carlos G. Parker Blvd. NW.
• An online session 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at taylorisdvote.org.
• An in-person meeting 6-7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Taylor High School, 355 FM 973 A previous bond informational session was Sept. 30.
“I don’t think most people are really against the bond. I just think they don’t have all the information,” said Taylor ISD spokesman Christian Aleman.
Besides the informational meetings, the district is holding Taxpayer Tuesdays every Tuesday through October hosted by Taylor ISD CFO Jina Self and Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen.
These are conducted 11 a.m. to noon in the central office conference room, 3101 N. Main St.
Critics have voiced concerns about a tax hike if the referendum passes.
Proponents, however, have said that will not be the case because old debt is being retired and because of an increased homestead exemption under new legislation.
Officials said the district can propose both propositions while lowering the tax rate by 4 cents, saving the average homeowner about $500 per year.
“(The Prop A and Prop B) measures address both long-term facility needs and the resources required to sustain high-quality classroom instruction,” added Garcia-Edwardsen in a previous interview. “It’s a balanced approach to meeting growth projections and program requirements while still lowering the tax rate.”
For more, visit taylorisdvote. org.
