La Vega Independent School District residents will vote today on a complex maneuver that won’t raise their tax bills, but could raise district revenues.

La Vega ISD officials are asking voters to support a “tax swap,” which will allow the school district to raise one part of the tax rate and lower another, ultimately scoring another $1.8 million from the state for La Vega schools.

The school tax rate is made of one rate that goes toward the cost of running the district and the other goes toward paying its debts.

The La Vega tax rate will rise 13 cents this year regardless, from $1.23 to $1.36 per $100 valuation, so the district can pay on the debts from a 2009 bond issue.

The board is asking taxpayers to approve an additional 13-cent increase in the operation tax rate, for a total tax rate of $1.49. But the board included a contingent motion that states that if the rate passes, the board will cut its debt rate by 13 cents, leaving a total tax rate of $1.36.

If the measure in today’s election passes, the tax rate will be $1.36. If it fails, it will be $1.36. The difference is that if the measure passes, the state rewards school districts for asking taxpayers for more money. La Vega ISD stands to get $1.8 million if the election passes.

Officials said $900,000 of that money will go toward paying the district’s debt and the other half will go toward district operations.

Al Bishop, La Vega ISD deputy superintendent for personnel and administration, said the new money could help La Vega expand its pre-kindergarten program, which has a waiting list of 50 students.

The money also would go toward safety and security improvements at schools, technology upgrades and competitive salaries.

If the tax rate increase isn’t passed today, La Vega, like many districts, will pass a deficit budget and will have to make cuts down the road.

wgragg@wacotrib.com

757-6901

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