Bastrop school tax hike faces early rejection

Residents of Bastrop Independent School District are currently voting on a proposal to raise property taxes for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Early unofficial results indicate that most voters are voting against the measure.

With only five of 15 precincts reporting, 66% of ballots cast have rejected Proposition A. The proposal seeks to add 1.3 cents to the maintenance and operations tax rate. District CFO Mike White stated that the increase would generate approximately $6 million in annual revenue. This total includes $2.4 million from local tax collections and $3.6 million in additional state funds.

White explained that the district is operating with tight finances. During the budget process, department heads were required to cut 15% of their spending. White noted, "Like everyone, we have more needs than we have resources." The district intends to use the new revenue to cover projected shortfalls, improve staff pay and retention, hire campus officers, and maximize state funding.

The current maintenance and operations tax rate stands at $0.6669 per $100 in valuation for the 2025-26 year. For a home with a taxable value of $300,000, the specific cost increase for 2026-27 is detailed in district materials. Homeowners aged 65 and older who have a homestead exemption are protected from the rate increase.

During the early voting period from October 19 to 30, 27,632 in-person ballots were cast in Bastrop County. This represented 42.2% of registered voters. Polls were open until 7 p.m. on Election Day, or until voters in line had cast their ballots. Final totals are unofficial until the canvass is complete.