On Nov. 7, Texas voters will go to the polls and decide on a slate of amendments and local options, including a tax rate ratification for the Lindale ISD.
In Lindale the early and General Election site is the Lindale Masonic Lodge, 200 W. Margaret Street. In Hideaway, voters can cast ballots at the Hideaway Members Services Building, 101 Hide-A-Way Lane.
Other Smith County voting sites include:
• The Hub, 304 E. Ferguson St., Tyler
• Heritage Building, 1900 Bellwood Road, Tyler
• Noonday Community Center, 16662 CR 196, Tyler
• Whitehouse United Methodist Church, 405 W. Main St., Whitehouse
There will be 35 polling locations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Early voting will continue through Friday, Nov. 3.
Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, through Oct. 27; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28; 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday, Nov. 2-3.
LISD TAX RATIFICATION
LISD Superintendent Stan Surratt said district trustees have been good stewards of the taxpayers’ money and how the burden has been reduced during the past several years.
“The school board has done a wonderful job managing the tax rate for many years,’’ Surratt said. “This year the school board has adopted a rate that is 21.54 cents lower than last year’s Lindale ISD tax rate. 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. “
By selecting “for’’ on the ballot, Surratt said the voter approves the district’s plan to lower the rate.
By voting “no,’’ Surratt said voters would prefer a 27.54 cent tax reduction but no increase in pay for teachers and support staff.
“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. “