By a narrow 4-3 vote, the Lumberton ISD Board of Trustees approved the proposed tax rate for 2022 at its Aug. 4 meeting at the Administration Building.
Board President James Kersh, along with Trustees Kevin Edwards, Dr. Chad Hammett, and Brett Yarbo voted in favor of the proposed tax rate, while Trustees Kim Olexa, Lauren Rothe and Sharon Spears opposed the action.
“I am glad the board advanced a proposed tax rate. Ultimately, I support the will of the board to give community members a chance to have their voices heard,” said Kersh.
He said the action was needed so the district could have the public hearing notice on the proposed tax rate published in their publication of record, The Bee, on Aug. 10.
“We do not yet have the date set to adopt the budget and proposed rate,” he said. “We expect to post several possible dates between Aug. 18-22 to provide flexibility with schedules.”
Trustees must adopt the final budget on Aug. 22.
Kersh stated it was recommended that Lumberton ISD propose a tax rate of 0.8846 (or 88.46 cents per $100 property evaluation) for Maintenance and Operation (M&O) and 28 cents for the Interest and Sinking (I&S) Fund for a total rate of $1.1646 for the 2022-2023 school year.
Kersh added the proposed tax rate includes 3 cents above the State Compression Rate of 0.8546 (85.46 cents).
Revenue from the possible 3-cent increase will help raise employees’ pay.
Kersh noted that LISD has one of the lowest starting salaries for 1-5 year teachers in the area and the district has been exploring ways to increase that starting range along with equity adjustments for current staff. He said LISD officials and a Community Action Committee (CAC) have worked for almost a year on possible remedies.
He added the board will also vote to place a potential Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE) on the Nov. 8 ballot.
“All of the funds from this effort will be designated to a payroll function set aside for raises, new staff, or benefits,” said Kersh.
The VATRE will add 3 cents to the budget for approximately an additional $1.5 million annually to LISD’s budget.
“There is also compression to the tax of approximately 2 cents for next year. The result is a gain of 1 cent at a cost of approximately $20 per year for an average $200,000 home in LISD,” stated Kersh.
The Examiner reached via email to Olexa and Rothe about the proposed tax rate but there was no response.
According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), VATRE is an election required by the State Legislature to ask voters to approve a modified tax rate to increase revenue for teachers and staff and address continued school growth.
Early this year, LISD trustees approved a $1,200 retention incentive for employees.