Lindale Voters Approve Tax Decrease
Posted/updated on: October 10, 2013 at 2:31 am
LINDALE — Lindale ISD voters approved the October 8 Tax Ratification Election that called for a decrease in the total tax rate by two cents, including a four cent tax decrease on the interest and sinking tax rate and a two cent tax rate increase on the maintenance and operation tax rate. The election was passed by a vote of 465 in favor to 80 against. The maintenance and operation rate (M&O) will change to $1.08 per $100 property valuation. The two cent M&O increase will generate funds primarily for the purchase of technology for classrooms and additional security at the elementary campuses.
The board of trustees would like to thank all those members of our community who came out to vote and show their support for Lindale schools, Lindale ISD School Board President Matt Watts said. Lindale is truly blessed with great students, involved parents, dedicated teachers and a community that is committed to the school districts success.
The outcome of this election will allow our district to continue to take a significant step forward in delivering on our commitment to educating our students, providing safe campuses and leveraging technology in our classrooms, Watts said.
Funds provided through the new tax rate will allow for the hire of one or two school resource officers to be placed at all of LISDs elementary campuses: Early Childhood Center, College Street Elementary School, Velma Penny Elementary School and E.J. Moss Intermediate School. LISD currently employs two school resource officers and hopes to hire two additional.
The additional resource officers are part of LISDs effort to step up security at the lower grade levels. In December 2012, the school board approved a budget amendment for the installation of monitors, security buzzers and intercom systems to restrict access to the elementary campuses during certain school hours.
