The Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday voted unanimously to adopt the FY2013 Budget.

The budget projects total operating revenues of $60,926,337, with estimated expenditures of $65,183,209, exceeding the district's revenues by $4,256,872.

The district's debt service fund, which is used to make payments on past bond issues, is projected to draw revenues of $6,286,760. Debt payments for FY2013 total $6,213,055, leaving excess revenues of $73,705.

The food service budget carries projected revenues of $5,134,800, matched to expenditures.  Budget Summary

The board voted unanimously to adopt a 2012 property tax rate of $1.165 per $100 valuation. The rate is unchanged from 2011, but will draw additional revenues due to increases in values of property within the district. The average market value of a home in the district in 2011 was $126,755, while the 2012 average market value is $132,112. An average residence will pay $30.72 more in taxes than in 2011.

The district will dedicate $1.04 per $100 valuation to maintenance and operations, included instruction, while the remaining $0.125 per $100 valuation will be used to make payments on the district's bonded indebtedness.

The tax rate does not exceed the district's rollback rate of $1.173407 per $100 valuation. Adoption of a tax rate in excess of the rollback rate requires voter approval at a tax election.

The board voted unanimously to declare unopposed candidates for District 1-A and District 3-C in the November 6 election. Board members Dr. Jeff Temple and Mary Cazares, who were recently appointed to serve in 1-A and 3-C, respectively, filed and are unopposed for election.

The board voted unanimously to cancel elections for Temple and Cazares. An election will still be held for District 4-D, with voters deciding between incumbent Carol Greaney-Wurst and challenger Linda Dolfi.

The board voted unanimously to approve a joint election agreement with Galveston County for election services in November.

The board voted unanimously to endorse Ron Crier for election to the Texas Association of School Boards Board of Directors for Region 4A.

The board voted unanimously to table action regarding the employment of legal representation through the Hodge Law Firm to negotiate and resolve the district's claims for damages from Hurricane Ike, including litigation against the Texas Windstorm Association.

The board will hold a special meeting on September 6 to discuss the item. A motion was made to approve hiring the firm, but was withdrawn.

All other items were approved by unanimous vote. Board Member Sandra Simmons was absent. Agenda