The La Marque Independent School District Board of Trustees, in a special meeting on Tuesday, voted 4-0-1, with Edward Jones abstaining, to formally approve a 2012 property tax rate of $1.35 per $100 valuation, which will require voter approval for adoption.

The tax rate would increase taxes to support the district’s operation from $1.04 per $100 valuation to $1.17 per $100 valuation, with the remaining $0.18 per $100 valuation to be used to make payments on the district’s bonded indebtedness. The district’s 2011 total tax rate was $1.24 per $100 valuation.

The rate would increase the taxes due on an average value home of $92,905 by $53.31 compared to 2011.

The school board voted unanimously to order an election for December 15 to place the tax rate on the ballot for ratification by the voters.

"A lack of state funding has forced many districts to call tax ratification elections," said a news release posted on the La Marque ISD web site.  "To date, over 420 Texas school districts have asked their taxpayers for additional support through tax elections." News Release

The increase would generate approximately $1,786,000 in additional funding.

"If voters approve an 11 cent tax increase the district's total tax rate would be $1.35," according to the release. "This tax rate, if adopted, would still be the 3rd lowest among the 9 local area school districts."

All other items were approved by unanimous vote.  Board members Nakisha Paul and Edward Crawford were absent.  Agenda