Voters in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Fort Bend County are being asked to approve a bond package, including one that would alone cost taxpayers $1.9 billion.
During a special called board meeting in August, Lamar CISD trustees approved the placement of four bond propositions on the upcoming November ballot.
The four propositions are:
Proposition A – $1.9 billion for the construction of new school buildings and the renovation of old ones.
Proposition B – $26.7 million for repairs to Taylor Stadium.
Proposition C – $44.1 million for upgrading school laptops and graphic arts printing equipment.
Proposition D – $10.6 million for student school laptops.
According to Lamar CISD, the proposed bonds would not change the current tax rate of $1.1469 per $100 of taxable valuation.
Both the M&O rate of $0.66690 and I&S rate of $0.48 will remain the same.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility President Andrew McVeigh told Texas Scorecard that the proposed bond package will be a huge burden on taxpayers, despite the claims that it will not increase the current tax rate.
“The unfortunate, long-term implication is inescapable: all new debt local governments and schools assume needs future revenue to service it,” said McVeigh. “This assurance by the school district misleads voters into thinking there are no new costs.”
Lamar CISD currently reports $3.096 billion in outstanding bond debt.
Texas law requires the ballot proposition to state: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
McVeigh said the funding’s purpose is questionable, as the bond package is allocated for projects that should be funded with general revenue, including stadium repairs, sound systems, and new or updated technology, such as laptops for students.
“Taxpayers should be very cautious with enormous debt proposals like this,” McVeigh continued.
A voter information document is required for school bond elections to provide voters the full financial impact of proposed bonds, including the total amount of principal and estimated interest the district will owe if the bond passes.
By law, any political subdivision with at least 250 registered voters must prepare this document for each bond proposition. It must be posted publicly at least 21 days before the election.
Texas Scorecard reached out to Lamar CISD to ask for the voter information document. A spokesperson said it was not yet finalized and would be posted “very soon.”
The General Election is November 4, with early voting beginning October 20.
