VATRE

(Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election)

WHAT IS A VATRE?

On the ballot, voters will consider a Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE). If approved, the VATRE would increase the district's Maintenance & Operations tax rate by $0.12 per $100 of taxable property value.

VATRE funds support the day-to-day operations of the district, including teacher and staff compensation and other maintenance and operations.

The VATRE would add 3 additional Golden Pennies, which are not subject to recapture, meaning 100% of the revenue stays in the District, as well as 9 Copper Pennies.

What Are Golden Pennies?

In Texas school finance, “golden pennies” are a portion of the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate that generates additional funding for public schools.

Unlike the regular tax rate, golden pennies:

Are not subject to recapture, meaning 100% of the revenue stays in the district
Generate both local tax collections and additional state aid

Golden pennies provide funding for:

Teacher and staff compensation
Maintenance and operational needs

PROJECTED TAX IMPACT

The average appraised homestead value in the district is $96,363.

This calculation reflects the projected impact from the VATRE only.

UNDERSTANDING THE TAX RATE

In Texas, school district budgets are funded by two different tax rates, and each rate can only be used for certain types of expenses.

Bond funds cannot be used for daily district operations such as salaries.

For schools,

this includes:

Salaries
Utilities
Supplies
Repairs
Fuel

For citizens,

this is similar to:

Groceries
Utilities
Minor Home Repairs
Routine Services
Car Fuel

GENERAL OPERATING FUND

Maintenance & Operations