BRENHAM ISD NEARING FINAL BUDGET, TAX RATE FIGURES
The Brenham School Board is closing in on final budget and tax rate numbers for the new school year.
During their third budget workshop on Monday, trustees heard the latest projections on the proposed budget and tax rate that are slated to be presented for a vote at the board’s next regular meeting.
Brenham ISD is looking at a proposed balanced budget of $64,389,483, which is down roughly $1 million from the current budget of $65,387,457. The tax rate is expected to come in at $0.7490 per $100 valuation, also lower than the existing tax rate of $0.7684.
Concerning the proposed budget and why it is lower than the current one, Chief Financial Officer Darrell St. Clair and Chief Communications and Engagement Officer Brooke Trahan told KWHI that there were several unknowns to factor in during last year’s budget process. Those variables included new state legislation, the Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE), and changes to the Community Eligibility Provision program with child nutrition.
Trahan said the district is not reducing services with this budget but is “right-sizing”, with her and St. Clair saying it should more accurately align with actual revenue and spending patterns. The budget will include a 3 percent pay raise for all employees, and Trahan said it also seeks to add back 17 positions for added stability. Additionally, St. Clair said his estimates as of last week show the district should be able to put back roughly $800,000 into its fund balance, with more concrete numbers coming once August expenses are accounted for.
Trahan noted that the new bond funding available following last fall’s election is not being used for all projects. Smaller repair items are continuing to be paid for with maintenance and operations (M&O) revenue, while items like full-on replacements will utilize bond proceeds.
As for the proposed tax rate, St. Clair said the maximum compressed M&O rate from the Texas Education Agency came in lower than anticipated, at $0.5890. For comparison, the initial projection was $0.6070, which itself was below the current maximum compressed rate of $0.6084. After adding the five cents extra that are authorized by the board and the three cents passed by voters through the VATRE, the new M&O rate would come out to $0.6690. The full tax rate, once the 8 cents for interest and sinking are added, would be $0.7490.
Trustees will hold a public hearing and vote on the proposed tax rate and budget when they meet on Monday, August 17th.