A deputy superintendent for Judson Independent School District spoke to the Live Oak City Council on Sept. 30 to explain a proposed voter-approved tax-rate election that the district plans to put before voters this fall.

The deputy superintendent said a voter-approved tax-rate election would allow the district to access an additional $21,000,000 in funding annually for maintenance and operations if approved by voters. She described the measure as distinct from a bond because it does not create new debt but instead raises operating funds.

She outlined the district's stated spending priorities for the new revenue: strengthening student academic programs, student services and staff salaries. The speaker also explained tax-effect details: because the homestead exemption this year is increasing from $100,000 to $140,000 and the average home value in the district is about $283,000, homeowners who have claimed a homestead exemption would still see a net savings under current conditions, the speaker said. The proposed tax rate was cited as 1.0796, described as roughly a 4.5% increase from the previous year.

The deputy superintendent reminded residents that the last day to register to vote is Oct. 6, early voting begins Oct. 20, and the election day is Nov. 4.

Why it matters: If voters approve the measure, the district would be authorized to collect the additional operating revenue noted above; the speaker framed the funds as targeted to classroom and staff needs rather than capital debt.

Clarifying details: The speaker identified the proposed tax rate as 1.0796 and an increase of approximately 4.5% from last year; she identified the estimated additional funding as $21,000,000 annually. The homestead exemption change cited by the speaker was from $100,000 to $140,000 and the speaker gave an illustrative average home value of about $283,000 for Judson ISD.

Context: The presentation took place during the council’s citizens-to-be-heard period. The school official’s remarks were informational; no formal action by the council was requested or taken at the meeting.

Ending: The speaker encouraged registration and provided the district’s election schedule to Live Oak residents.