Two community members, Albert Daniel and Jorge Rodriguez were present to voice their concerns on the increase.
EPISD board members explained that If the community voted in favor of the proposed tax rate, it would generate more than $6 million for the district; $5,725,862 coming from the estimated state revenue, and only costing residents $411,232 total. The estimated yearly amount for a $100,000 home would be 37.50, or $3.13 monthly with the increase.
“I see it as a potential great benefit,” said Board Trustee Dr. Hector Alvarez. “Is it worth it as a taxpayer? Yes, it’s probably less than a Big Mac a month. Is it worth it as a parent ? Absolutely. It’s going to make the students in this district lives a bit easier.”
Alvarez said he understood if some were wary as to how the money would be spent, but assured residents that it would be put to good use.
“We want to get to work for this money, and both of the speakers today brought up good points, but let’s not fail to realize we’re one of you guys too, just that we’re put in a position with a lot of responsibility,” said Alvarez. “Think about your position in this situation,I am one of you too. I am just fortunate to be in a position right now where I have this responsibility where I can make a difference, and I think that this situation here would make a huge difference for the price of a Big Mac.”
Board trustee Christopher Hiller agreed that as a business owner, a taxpayer, and a parent, the benefit of receiving a 93 percent match to the 7 percent was too good to pass up.
“There are many needs for facilities that need to be fixed up, and this money can be used for [that[,” said Hiller. “It’s hard with the criticism of the decisions we make. but we are making the best decisions for this district. They’re hard decisions, but everything is for the best benefit of this district.”
According to EPISD, the additional state revenue generated from a TRE may be spent for the purpose of Maintenance and Operation of the School District such as, but not limited to, middle school concept; five year facility plan; additional budget campus and department needs; student programs; building improvements for instructional, extracurricular, and other district activities; employee salaries and benefits; expenditures for vehicles, furniture and equipment; and day-to-day operations of the district.
Election day will be Saturday, May 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Early voting will take place Wednesday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including Saturday May 20.
Election polling sites during this electoral process will be as follows: early voting will be at the Multi-Purpose Center located at 480 S Adams St.
Election Day voting sites will be PCT. 1 A Salon De Colores 2055 Williams St. PCT. 1B Fire Station No. 2 2420 Second St, and PCT 1C. Memorial Junior high 1800 Lewis St,
PCT 2A Benavides Heights Elem 1760 A-Mesa drive, PCT. 2B San Luis Elem 2090 Williams St, PCT2C, Rosita Valley Elem, 735 Rosita Valley Road, and PCT 2D El Indio Community center, 115 West Tx, St.
PCT 3A Glass Elem 1501 Boehmer St, PCT 3 B , Seco Mines Elem 2900 Diaz st, PCT3C, Guemado Community Center 20160 U.S HWY 277.
PCT 4A Maverick County Courthouse 500 Quarry st, PCT 4B Eagle Pass High School (girls gym) 2020 Second St, PCT4C Primera Iglesia Bautista 520 Colorado St, and PCT 4D Henry B Gonzalez Elem 400 Balcones Blvd.
Another public hearing will be announced at a later date to get feedback from the public.