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Taxpayers did get a break on school taxes.
Most districts dropped their rate 13 cents from last year, the amount mandated by new state law. But the rates still vary because of districts bonded indebtedness, with the fastest growing districts having the highest rates.
While the state mandated the basic rate, districts were given the option of adding a 4 cent “enrichment” amount to the rate. All Kaufman County districts took the option.
“The 4 cents also generates additional money from the state,” Mabank financial manager Scott Adams said.
In Mabank’s case, the 4 cents will bring in $300,000 from local taxes and an additional $400,000 from the state.
“That’s a big deal. It really makes it hard not to levy the 4 cents,” he said.
Understanding the effect of the tax rate can be difficult as well, Mr. Adams said.
The state required the districts to print a form listing the average market value of homes in 2005 and 2006. Because of new construction throughout the county, the amount went up, sometimes substantially.
But that doesn’t mean the value of your house rose that much. And it doesn’t mean that your taxes will go up, or go up as much as the form might indicate.
“It’s very confusing,” Mr. Adams said.
Determining the exact amount of a district’s budget can also be confusing.
Districts usually divide their anticipated revenue and expenditure into three main parts – maintenance and operations, food service and interest and sinking fund.
But districts also receive federal funds for specific programs such as special education and extra help for poor students, explained John Chase, Crandall’s finance director.
For districts with a high percentage of poorer students that amount could be significant. But many districts don’t include them in their total budgets because the way the money can be spent is carefully regulated, he said.
In another new twist, districts are required to post summaries of their budgets online. The form includes a comparison with last year’s budget, but, in most cases, doesn’t include an overall total.
Click here for school budgets.
© Copyright 2005-2008 by Kaufman County Online
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| Last Updated: Jan 4th, 2009 - 18:57:55 |
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