Election season has arrived, bringing state propositions, a Boerne ISD tax rate election and county ballot items in the Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch area.
Early voting began Oct. 20, running through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4.
What’s on the ballot?
Boerne ISD voters will decide on the district’s first voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, designed to support teacher salaries and provide funds for capital improvements outside of bonds and other funding mechanisms.
For fiscal year 2025-26, the average taxable value on BISD residential properties is $488,000, and a property owner would pay $4,938 annually. Compared to FY 2024-25, the proposed VATRE tax rate would result in an average decrease of $80 in overall taxes paid, assuming the homestead exemption propositions pass.
Following the 2025 state legislative session, the homestead exemption for school district taxes was increased, meaning a home’s taxable valuation will decrease upon voter approval. Homestead exemptions increase by $40,000 for the average homeowner and by $50,000 for homeowners over the age of 65 or those with a disability, according to state legislation.
Other statewide legislation on the ballot includes tax exemption for homes destroyed by fire, water supply funding, parental rights and additional propositions.
The city of Fair Oaks Ranch falls within three counties. Bexar County residents will vote on whether or not to raise the hotel occupancy tax from 1.75% to 2%.
This tax, along with the 5% rental car fee, will be used to fund two propositions, which are designed to transform the city’s major venues and establish a permanent home for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.
Bexar County Proposition A
Authorizing Bexar County to provide for the acquisition and financing of the Freeman Coliseum, Frost Bank Center and other San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo facilities, together known as the Coliseum Complex Venue Project. The measure would increase the county hotel occupancy tax to a maximum rate of 2%, and also use the existing 5% short-term motor vehicle rental tax to help fund the project. If approved, the maximum hotel occupancy tax rate imposed from all sources in Bexar County would be 17% of the price paid for a room in a hotel.
Bexar County Proposition B
Authorize Bexar County to plan, develop and finance a new multipurpose arena designed primarily as the home venue for the San Antonio Spurs basketball team, known as the Arena Venue Project. The measure would increase the county hotel occupancy tax to a maximum rate of 2% and use the existing 5% short-term motor vehicle rental tax to help fund the Area Venue Project. If approved, the maximum hotel occupancy rate imposed from all sources in Bexar County would be 17% of the price paid for a room in a hotel.
What you need to know
Kendall County voters can cast a ballot at the Kendall County Courthouse Annex, located at 221 Fawn Valley Drive, Boerne. An election calendar can be found here.
Bexar County voters can cast a ballot at the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department Training Room, located at 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Drive, Fair Oaks Ranch. A full list of Bexar County polling locations can be found here.
The nearest Comal County polling location is located in Bulverde. All Comal County polling locations can be found here.
