UPDATED October 12 to include comments from state representatives.
Elected officials in Huffman Independent School District are set to vote Tuesday on raising property taxes by as much as 25 percent without voters’ approval by taking advantage of a “disaster” exception in the tax code.
Texas’ tax code allows school districts to adopt a one-time tax increase without voter approval to help offset costs associated with a declared disaster “including a tornado, hurricane, flood, wildfire, or other calamity.”
Huffman ISD filed claims with FEMA for damages caused by Hurricane Beryl after Acting Gov. Dan Patrick declared a state of disaster due to the storm in dozens of counties including Harris.
Trustees tabled a September vote on a property tax rate so they could consider a revised proposal that includes adding a maximum of 12 “disaster pennies” to the rate.
The September tax rate notice published by the district calculated a voter approval rate of $1.065 and proposed a maximum rate of $1.185—a 25 percent increase over last year’s rate.
At that rate, the average homeowner’s tax bill would increase by $576 to $2,622—a 28 percent jump.
“You just can’t raise citizens’ taxes by 25 percent using a loophole in this economy,” district resident William Bennett told Texas Scorecard. “It is cruel.”
He and other residents say Huffman ISD officials often fall short when it comes to transparency and fiscal responsibility. They point to an audit that was completed in June but won’t be released to the public until after the November school board election. Four board positions are on the ballot.
In addition, Huffman ISD Superintendent Benny Soileau is under criminal investigation for alleged electioneering during this year’s March primary elections.
Bennett said local residents are planning to attend Tuesday’s meeting and express their opposition to the huge tax increase.
While a 25-percent rate increase is the maximum trustees can approve, it’s not clear exactly what rate they intend to consider.
Officials failed to post a revised tax rate notice on the district “Financial Transparency” web page. Huffman ISD Chief Financial Officer Ginger Ramer stated that “a revised notice is not needed” as the board is unable to adopt a higher rate.
Other Texas school districts are also using disaster pennies to raise their property tax rates.
Earlier this week, trustees in Cy-Fair ISD added two disaster pennies to the district’s tax rate, which is expected to generate about $34 million in extra revenue.
Officials in Judson ISD and Rusk ISD also took advantage of the disaster exception to boost their budgets, while Pine Tree ISD trustees decided against adding the extra burden to their taxpayers.
Huffman ISD trustees are expected to consider the maximum of 12 disaster pennies.
Their October 15 board workshop and special meeting are scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. at the district’s administration building.
On Friday, State Reps. Briscoe Cain (R–Deer Park) and Charles Cunningham (R–Humble), who represent Huffman ISD residents, sent a letter to board members expressing concerns about the “alarming” tax increase and asking trustees to reschedule the tax rate meetings to a time when more constituents can participate.
“Holding such an important meeting when many taxpayers are at work not only limits their ability to participate but also gives the appearance that their voices and concerns are being disregarded,” the representatives wrote. “A decision of this magnitude should not be made without the input of those most affected.”
Questions about the tax increase can be directed to Huffman ISD board members.
