Cameron ISD passes tax rate, budget for coming year

The Cameron ISD Board of Trustees adopted a tax rate and budget for 2023-24 during a special meeting on Aug. 29.

The board adopted a total tax rate of $1.02130 per $100 valuation with a maintenance and operations rate of $.66920 and a interest and sinking rate of $.3510. Last year’s tax rate was $1.20670 per $100 valuation.

The board also adopted a balanced budget of $22,585,205 for the upcoming year.

“We are recommending a balanced budget for 23-24,” Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said.

Sprinkles said there are some significant increases in the budget including the additon of additional School Resource Officer salaries and benefits along with leases for vehicles for those officers; staff required by law for the employee child care program; an increase in property and casualty insurance; funding or a new cosmetology program until CTE funds kick in; and funds for instrument replacement for the band program.

Sprikles said the budget is based on the certified values and it includes the $100,000 homestead exemption passed by the state legislature.

“There are a lot of districts facing deficit budgets around the state,” he said. “We know what sacrifices you have to make to get great people in front of our kids.”

During the meeting the board also adopted an order authorizing the issuance of bonds for the recent bond election.

In other business the board: adjusted lunch prices for adults and staff to $4.90; approved the appraisal calendar; and heard a special programs report from Assistant Superintendent Mistie Dakroub.