Conroe ISD's proposed 2016-17 budget contains no tax rate increase, according to a July 19 presentation by Chief Financial Officer Darrin Rice. The district has opted to keep the existing tax rate at $1.28 per $100 of valuation, according to the proposal. “We look at the major components that actually drive our budget,” Rice said. “To meet the need for the 2016-2017 school year, we want to provide a competitive raise for all and additional salary adjustments for identified areas. We want to prepare for the upcoming legislative session and possible future budget reductions, and then, if funds are available, utilize surplus to support capital projects and reduce bond debt requirements.” In total, the 2016-17 projected budget is $446.8 million with a surplus of $9.6 million, Rice said. Of this amount, 89 percent of the budget is used for payroll and benefits. The remaining 11 percent is used for contracted services, equipment and supplies and materials. With the 2016-17 budget comes salary increases and adjustments, additional personnel funding, health insurance costs and other expenses, which results in a projected expenditure budget increase of $22.9 million. The board of trustees will hold public hearings for the 2016-17 proposed budget and tax rate Aug. 2 and Aug. 16. Final approval will be discussed during the Aug. 16 board meeting.