Marble Falls school district voters approve tax shift, helps eliminate $400,000 shortfall
MARBLE FALLS — Voters in the Marble Falls school district Aug. 25 approved a “tax-shift” that eliminates a $400,000 shortfall and could put money back into some pockets, officials said.
The rollback tax election passed 269-104. The measure moves 1.33 cents from a fund to pay off debts, which are going down, to maintenance and operations. In effect, it shifts a penny and is not a tax increase.
“I think what the community is saying is that we as a district are truly kid-centered,” said Rick Edwards, president of the Marble Falls Independent School District board. “This money is ultimately going directly to the kids to help them become successful.”
Had the measure failed, officials would be forced to cut $400,000 to end with a balanced budget for fiscal year 2012-2013. Classes begin Aug. 27.
“I think this vote is very positive for the district and the community,” said Assistant Superintendent Allen Roberts.
The vote means the overall MFISD tax rate will be $1.28 per $100 valuation compared to the previous rate of $1.29 — an overall savings to many taxpayers, officials said.
The school board voted July 16 to take the 1.33 cents from the debt service rate and move it to M&O, while cutting another penny which taxpayers get to keep. Because the additional money for M&O pushed that portion of the rate over $1.04, it required voter approval.
The district proposed a 2012-2013 budget of $43.4 million with $36.8 million for maintenance and operation.
“It takes all of us to build successful schools,” said Superintendent Rob O’Connor.