BISD Board sets budget, tax rate

The BISD School Board held a public hearing prior to their August meeting in order to invite discussion of the 2009-10 proposed school budget and tax rate. The lone resident who took advantage of the opportunity was Karen Helmcamp, who questioned the proposed tax increase and concluded, "I can't see where it's imminently necessary." BISD business manager Jeannine Myers explained the financial considerations behind the proposed rates. Trustee Jennifer Humphries commented on the empty chairs at the hearing, stating, "I'm hoping that they're NOT here because they trust us --as stewards of their tax money-- that we're doing the best we can, and that we're not going to jack (the taxes) up just because we can."

The regular meeting followed the hearing, and early in the agenda the Board unanimously voted to approve the proposed budget for the 2009- 10 school year of $7,164,984 which reflected an increase of only $686 over last year. They next voted to levy the published proposed tax rate ($1.04005 for the purpose of maintenance and operations, and $0.24652 for the purpose of payment of principal and interest on debts) totalling $1.28657 on $100 property valuation. The adoption of the tax rate passed with Trustee Jack Helmcamp casting the single opposing vote.

The meeting continued with the presentation by Ms. Myers of budget amendments (in food services, electric utilities and tax appraisal costs) to finish out the 2008- 09 fiscal year. All money was moved within the existing budget, "not increasing the bottom line", and the amendments were approved as presented.

Consultant Jim Hanks again presented a slide show explaining the progress on the construction of the district's new facilities. Pressed for his opinion on the completion date, Hanks suggested that things will have to get moving if the school is to be finished by the contracted date. In other related agenda items later in the meeting the Board voted to contract with Semtana & Assoc. Construction Company for an offsite gas line for the new high school, and voted to go with South Texas School Furniture for the furniture contract.

The Board heard several reports evaluating the district: - Superintendent Jackie Thomason reported on the district's new enrollment figures. Enrollment at each campus is up and the district total has passed the 900-student mark for the first time ever. - The TEA Accountability Performance Ratings were announced. All campuses met federal requirements for Adequate Yearly Progress. The elementary campus earned "Recognized" status and the other campuses' and the district's overall rating were "Academically Acceptable".

In other business: - The Board members are required to attend a legislative update and, after considering several options, voted to host a cluster meeting with other local districts on September 28 at 6:30. - The Board voted to nominate Sammy Johnson as their representative on the Leon County Appraisal District Board of Directors. Johnson has served in that capacity for several years and is willing to continue. - A request from Oncor was granted for an overhead easement on school property to provide electric service to the City of Buffalo's new lift station located on Hwy 164. (The motion passed by a 4-3 vote.) - The Board renewed an adjunct faculty agreement with the Leon County Extension agents for 4-H activities. - The Board approved a legal services retainer proposal with the firm of Karczewski/ Bradshaw.