AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Lockhart Independent School District Board of Trustees on Monday evening adopted a new tax rate for the 2025-26 budget cycle, resulting in a decrease compared to last year’s rate.
The board adopted a tax rate of $0.9396, which is a 1.5-cent decrease, even after the passage of a $93.5 million bond in May.
According to the school district, Lockhart ISD’s interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate is remaining steady for the 6th year in a row, at $0.2577. The maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate decreased from $0.6969 to $0.6819.
The district said the decrease came after legislative action that compressed the rate and the Texas Legislature approved a $40,000 increase to the homestead exemption.
The total appraised value of all property in the district also increased by about $317,000,000, according to Lockhart ISD’s public meeting notice that was issued earlier this month.
Under the newly adopted rate, the average homeowner in Lockhart ISD will save somewhere around $200, according to the district. Previously, the annual school district tax bill on the average home valued in Lockhart ISD was $1,570, under the new rate, it’s $1,370.
School district leaders celebrated the new tax rate, pointing to a promise they made earlier this year that Bond 2025 would not cause an increase to the tax rate.
“When we asked our community to support Bond 2025, we made a promise that it would not come with an increase to the tax rate,” Superintendent Mark Estrada said in a statement. “Tonight’s action reflects that commitment and with the legislature’s actions tax payers will even see a decrease in tax bills. This is an important step that ensures we can provide the facilities our students need while respecting the trust and financial support of our community.”
“The Board of Trustees is proud that we were able to keep our promise and lower the tax rate,” Board President Michael Wright said. “Our community has consistently supported Lockhart ISD, and this shows that we are committed to delivering on our word while continuing to invest in the future of our students.”
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