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Bastrop ISD trustees will discuss a potential voter-approval tax rate election at a special-called July 27 meeting that could generate about $1.1 million annually.
Why it matters
Trustees unanimously adopted Bastrop ISD’s $146.5 million general fund budget for 2026-27 on June 16.
The budget includes $142.9 million in revenue and a $1.9 million transfer, leaving a planned $1.7 million draw on the district’s fund balance, which acts as a savings account.
Officials said the additional revenue could reduce the district’s reliance on the fund balance to cover the projected shortfall.
Some context
A VATRE would ask voters to approve a maintenance and operations tax rate above what the district could otherwise adopt without voter approval.
During a June 16 meeting, trustees explored seeking voter approval for three additional golden pennies. Chief Financial Officer Mike White said each penny would generate about $360,000.
How it works
Golden pennies bring in more money per penny than other tax-rate options and are not subject to state recapture.
According to the Texas Education Agency, a district gets a golden penny by adding 1 cent to its maintenance and operations tax rate above the state-calculated maximum compressed rate. The highest total tax rate Bastrop ISD can adopt without voter approval is $1.0679 per $100 valuation.
What’s next
The discussion-only meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Bastrop ISD Service Center, 906 Farm St., Bastrop. Per the agenda, trustees will consult with the district’s attorney in closed session before returning to open session to discuss the possible VATRE.
Bastrop ISD Executive Director of Communications Evan Moilan said any motion related to a VATRE would be placed on an Aug. 13 agenda.
Texas’ deadline to order an election for the Nov. 3 ballot is Aug. 17, according to the Texas Secretary of State.
