The Paris News

Paris Independent School District voters on Tuesday gave approval 781-214 to a 13-cent increase to the district’s maintenance and operations tax rate, a vote that brings an additional $2.35 million in state funds into local coffers.

The $1.17 maintenance and operations rate approved Tuesday at a tax ratification election is the maximum a Texas school district can charge. It triggers maximum state funds from complicated formulas based in part on local tax effort.

In addition, voters approved a 28-cent interest and sinking rate to cover bonded indebtedness for a combined $1.455 rate per $100 valuation.

But PISD trustees voted in August to knock 13 cents off the interest and sinking rate if the tax ratifiation election passed, lowering the 2009 total tax rate to $1.325, a 12-cent decrease from the 2008 total tax rate of $1.445 per $100 valuation.

Following final tallies by election clerks at the district administration building, Superintendent Paul Trull expressed appreciation to voters.

“I sincerely say thank you to each and every person who helped approve the Paris ISD Board’s recommendation to bring $2.35 million to Paris while reducing the tax rate 12 cents, “ Trull said. “PISD will now be able to keep pace with inflationary costs and maintain its quality programs. Thank you Paris ISD voters!”

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