Lindale ISD voters back tax rate reduction plan

More than 70 percent of voters approved the Lindale ISD’s tax rate ratification this past Tuesday which will result in a 21.5 cent tax reduction compared to last year and increase the pay for the district’s teachers.
A total of 2,825 voters approved the measure, which was included in Tuesday’s Constitutional Amendment Election. A total of 1,113 voted no on the LISD measure.
In Smith County, 13 of the 14 Constitutional Amendments passed with the lone failure being Proposition 13, which would have raised the mandatory retirement age for state justices and judges from 75 to 79 years of age.
County results mirrored those of the state for all propositions.
Proposition 4, which will provide taxpayers with approximately $18 billion in tax cuts, passed in the county by an overwhelming 81 percent to 19 percent. Proposition 9, which will give retired teachers cost of living adjustments to their pensions, passed 80.5 to 19.4 percent.
“The school board has done a wonderful job managing the tax rate for many years,’’ said Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt. “Over the past five years, the Lindale ISD school board has lowered the tax rate by 43.58 cents.’’
This is unique among school districts in this part of the state, Surratt said.
“I am not aware of any school district in East Texas that has lowered its tax rate that significantly,’’ he said. “Because of the tax rate management of our School Board, Lindale ISD has one of the lower tax rates in East Texas. “
The voter support illustrates taxpayers are pleased with the way the LISD goes about its business, he said.
“In my opinion and many others, Lindale ISD is one of the very best school systems in Texas and our teachers and staff members are a big reason for the great success of our students and school district. With the improved pay for teachers and support staff members, Lindale ISD will be more competitive with neighboring school districts,’’ he added. “With better pay, Lindale ISD will be more capable of keeping our strong teachers and staff members while recruiting additional great teachers and staff members in the future.”