Austin, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Several school districts in the Austin area are seeking voter approval for tax rate increases due to budget deficits. Early voting for the upcoming elections starts soon, and if the proposed increases are not approved, significant cuts to staffing and programs are anticipated. Each district has specific plans for the new funding, intended to support essential educational services and infrastructure improvements.
Austin
Several Austin-area school districts are facing budget deficits and have called for voters to approve tax rate increases to generate new funding. District leaders attribute budget pressures to stagnant public education funding, prompting the need for elections this November.
Early voting for the November 4 elections begins on October 20 and continues until the end of the month. Tax rate elections serve as a tool for districts to approve property tax rates higher than the state allows, providing additional revenue for daily operations. Districts may also seek voter approval for bonds to fund specific projects.
Proposed Tax Rate Increases
- Coupland ISD proposes a 3-cent increase in its property tax rate to $1.1922 per $100 valuation. This increase is expected to generate approximately $241,000 annually for a second campus, salaries, and supplies. The average homeowner valued at $190,000 would see a $1.25 increase in their monthly tax bill.
- Hays Consolidated ISD seeks a 12-cent increase, raising its tax rate to $1.2746 per $100 valuation. This increase aims for an additional $26 million in revenue to cover operational costs, salaries, and avoid class size increases.
- Liberty Hill ISD proposes a 7-cent increase to $1.2389 per $100 valuation, projecting $10.9 million in new funding for student programs, materials, salaries, and safety upgrades. The average tax bill increase for a $470,000 home in Liberty Hill would be about $29 monthly.
- Blanco ISD is asking for a 2-cent increase to $0.8780 per $100 valuation, aiming to generate $476,095 for competitive teacher salaries, steady class sizes, and student support.
- Taylor ISD has a tax-rate election, Proposition B, proposing a 4-cent lower tax rate than the previous fiscal year at $1.0638 per $100 valuation, expected to bring in over $1 million for sustaining programs and teacher retention. Taylor ISD is also proposing a $147 million bond, Proposition A, for infrastructure improvements, including additional facilities at Taylor Middle School.
Consequences of Non-Approval
If the proposed tax rates are not approved, significant cuts to staffing, transportation, and programs could occur across the affected districts. The upcoming elections are seen as crucial for maintaining educational quality in the face of increasing fiscal challenges.
Key Features of Each School District’s Proposal
| School District | Proposed Increase (cents) | New Tax Rate ($ per $100 valuation) | Estimated Revenue | Impact on Homeowners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupland ISD | 3 | $1.1922 | $241,000 | +$1.25/month |
| Hays Consolidated ISD | 12 | $1.2746 | $26 million | N/A |
| Liberty Hill ISD | 7 | $1.2389 | $10.9 million | +$29/month (for $470,000 home) |
| Blanco ISD | 2 | $0.8780 | $476,095 | N/A |
| Taylor ISD | -4 | $1.0638 | Over $1 million | N/A |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the tax rate increases proposed by Austin-area school districts?
Several Austin-area school districts are facing budget deficits and have called for voters to approve tax rate increases to generate new funding.
When does early voting start for the November elections?
Early voting for the November 4 elections begins on October 20 and continues until the end of the month.
What are the potential consequences if the proposed tax rates are not approved?
If the proposed tax rates are not approved, significant cuts to staffing, transportation, and programs could occur across the affected districts.
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: Austin ISD Adopts Lower Tax Rate
- KXAN: Lockhart ISD Adopts Reduced Tax Rate
- Statesman: Austin Texas 2025 Election How to Vote Guide
- KVUE: Tax Rate Elections for Liberty Hill ISD and Hays CISD
- Statesman: Travis County School Districts Partner
- Wikipedia: Education in Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google Search: Texas Tax Rate Elections
- Google Scholar: Texas Education Funding Issues
- Google News: Austin School Districts Tax Election
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
