The details
Voters will consider the proposition during the May 3 election.
Hank Vat, public information officer for MCESD 7, said the proposition would increase the sales tax rate in the unincorporated areas of Splendora from 7.75% to 8.25%. If approved, Vat said the measure would raise the affected area’s sales tax rate to the same rate employed throughout the rest of the district.
“It levels out the sales tax rate for everyone in the district, so that way, everybody pays the same,” Vat said.
Some context
According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, the state imposes a 6.25% sales tax rate on all retail sales, leases and rentals of most goods, and taxable services. Local taxing jurisdictions—such as cities, counties or special purpose districts—can impose an additional 2% sales tax rate, which would bring that entity's rate to combined maximum sales tax rate of 8.25%.
A closer look
If approved, Vat said the proposition would add about $0.50 for every $100 spent to every applicable purchase in the affected areas.
While Vat said he did not have precise estimates regarding how much additional revenue the district could generate, he said he believed the funding will increase as the area continues to grow.
“We know that over a period of time, looking forward with growth [and] additional commercial spaces being built out, we'd have a little bit more funding,” he said.
Vat said the additional revenue generated by the district would be used to help pay for across-the-board improvements at the EMCFD, including:
- Staffing
- Equipment
- Training
“Eventually, we'd like build another fire station in The Canopies subdivision to service that general area, which actually borders that part of the incorporated areas of Splendora,” Vat said.
What’s next
Voting for the MCESD 7 election will be held at EMCFD Station 151, which is located at 19870 FM 1485 W. in New Caney. For more information about the MCESD 7 election, click here.
