No property tax increase is expected in the 2013-14 Round Rock ISD school budget, district officials said at a June 4 meeting.
Randy Staats, RRISD Business Services executive director, said that rate is expected to remain at $1.38 per $100 valuation. The public will have a chance to provide feedback about the budget and tax rate at the June 20 meeting. The board is scheduled to adopt the 2013–14 tax rates Sept. 19.
The board reviewed possible changes to employees' health care plans and could decide to invest an additional $1.4 million in contribution to those plans. The additional contribution would be paid for by the general funds budget and fund balance. The board is expected to vote on any changes June 20.
At the board's May 23 meeting, Staats said this is the fourth year the district has faced a deficit and that part of the reason health insurances costs are increasing is because of the Affordable Care Act.
In addition to health care, other factors will play a role in finalizing Round Rock ISD's budget. Pending Gov. Rick Perry's approval of Senate Bill 1, the state's general appropriations bill for the 2013–14 budget, the district could receive an estimated $5.8 million for the 2013–14 school year and an additional $6.3 million increase for 2014–15. The district's projected revenue is $335.4 million, which includes an increase for 760 students for 2013–14.
"Without those dollars, we have a much larger deficit," Staats said.
Ramiro Flores, RRISD's deputy superintendent of administration said the governor has until June 16 to veto the bill.
For more information about the district's 2012–13 budget, see our previous coverage.