Willis ISD approves $0.045 decrease in tax rate

Property owners in Willis ISD will see a total tax rate of $1.17 per $100 valuation in the upcoming fiscal year 2021-22, a $0.045 drop in the tax rate from the ongoing FY 2020-21, according to an Aug. 11 news release from the district.

WISD trustees approved the district's balanced $73.1 million budget and property tax rate during an Aug. 11 meeting. The adopted FY 2021-22 budget does not include any capital expenses, according to the release.

According to the release, WISD has decreased its tax rate a total of $0.218 since 2018.

Teachers in WISD will also see a pay increase, following a motion by the board in June, according to the release. The district's starting salary for teachers with a bachelor's degree rose $2,000, totaling $54,000 for a starting salary in the 2021-22 school year. Teachers with a master's degree receive an additional $1,200 than those with a bachelor's degree, according to the release.

On average, WISD teachers received a raise of $2,850 this year, according to the release. Custodial and child nutrition positions received a 3% pay raise, while all other employees received a raise of 3% on the midpoint salary, per the release.