The Cumby ISD Board of Education hosted Wednesday night's meeting on the Tax Ratification
Election, set for August 11, 2012.

 

Cumby ISD Hosts Tax Ratification Election
For District Taxpayers, Wednesday Night

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Cumby ISD Superintendent, Lance Campbell, explains to those present at Wednesday night's meeting,
the implications to the district and the need for the passing of the Tax Ratification.

Cumby ISD voters will be asked to go to the polls on August 11, 2012, to vote for or against a Tax Ratification Election, that would raise taxes from $1.04 to $1.17 per hundred dollar evaluation, to keep the school budget "in the black."

Members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Lance Campbell hosted a meeting in the school cafetorium, on Wednesday night, to inform the voters of the need for the election and the implications to the 2012-13 budget. "We feel we've done out part of cuts, by 'trimming' $381,647.00 from next year's budget, when we were already running a 'tight ship,'" explained Campbell. "We've absorbed positions, not rehired four teachers a librarian, and a coach, and used contract services and distant learning options to keep a handle on district costs!"

"Now, we're asking the district taxpayers to help us keep the doors to our school open!" continued Campbell. "If the voters vote 'no' on this issue, we will have a 2.5 year fund balance, but if they vote 'for' the proposal it gives us an approximate 7 year ability to hope for some law changes and more equitable funds coming from the state!"

 

 

 

 

 

Without the increased revenue, the 2012-13 budget will be $320,314.00, in the red, with the cuts already made. However, with the passage of this proposal, the district will only lose $100,936.00, that will be required to come from the fund balance. "Remember that if we increase revenue through this election, only 30% of it will actually come from the district, and 70% from the state, as the more money you raise in your district, the more money you receive from the state," expressed Campbell and the Board. "We'll increase revenue by $219,378.00 and only $60,000.00 will come from our district."

With the increase in taxes, the Cumby ISD will still have a cheaper tax rate than most of their neighboring districts.

A series of questions ensued, following Wednesday night's presentation, with district patrons, interested parents, and teachers asking about the future of the district.

The election is scheduled for August 11, 2012, with early voting times to be determined at a later date.

 

 

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