The Eagle Pass Independent School District Tax Ratification Election came to a close on Saturday with the majority of local voters electing to approve the slight increase.

A total of 1,307 votes were cast for the proposed increase while 956 votes were against.

Now that it has been approved, the EPISD Ad Valorem Tax rate will go from the 2016 Current Tax Rate of $1.15543 to $1.18043 per every $100 valuation. The EPISD has stated that under this increase the estimated local tax revenue generated would be $411,232, but that it would also generate a contribution from the state of $5,725,862 for a total of $6,137,094 in funds for the 2017-2018 school year.

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, equipment; and day-to-day operations of the district.

US 277 N one mile past Quemado was closed due to a two semi-truck trailer crash earlier today. 

Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber said one driver was found dead on the scene and another was transferred to the hospital as a result of the violent crash.

Detours were in in effect throughout the day with northbound traffic detoured to FM 1908 to SH 131 to Brackettville. The southbound traffic was detoured to FM 693 to Brackettville.

The accident is still under investigation.