The tax rollback election is Saturday, October 11, 2008. What is a rollback election and why should we vote for or against it?

“The Board of Trustees of Italy Independent School District has called for a tax rollback election to set the tax rate at $1.17 from the existing $1.04 for Maintenance and Operations (M&O) in order to maximize state funding for this school district.” This is an explanation on a pamphlet printed by the school district to help the general public understand.

Not advocating or telling anyone how to vote, Larry Eubank, President of the Italy School Board, explained a little of the financial crunch Italy ISD is in today. Eubank said, "There was a unanimous vote decision to set the election. This is all to obtain additional funding for Italy ISD. Avalon, Palmer, Red Oak are having the same independent election. Frost ISD passed theirs last week. All of these elections are for the same purpose and are critical for the small school district.

“We have had the same budget since 2005-06 and as you know, costs for everything have gone up. Presently, we have a tax rate of $1.04 and the passing of this election will cause a 13 cent increase. I do want to remind everyone that we have the lowest school tax rate in Ellis County. But this will mean if for every $100 tax dollars the state will actually pay $274. As you can see that is a big return on investment. This would be paid every year until the law changes. We are all hoping for a better school financing system but we need to maximize the state funding we do have. It is a good opportunity for today’s and future students.

“The monies would be used for infrastructure, such as roofing, AC/heating, lighting and technology. These are basic needs for each student. 50% would be placed into the general fund balance. Salary increases are necessary. Of course, this would not include Administrative salaries, such as the superintendent, special education director and two principals. It has almost been five years since an increase for teachers, maintenance, food and janitors and these are financially hard times for everyone.” In other words, this would provide competitive salaries to attract and retain highly-qualified staff. This will keep up with inflation in all areas of the system.

Eubank also said for more information go to www.texasisd.com. "Please read the article written by Joe Smith entitled, “Duncanville Voters Send Message to State Leaders: System Needs to be Fixed.”

According to the article, “Have you thought about the fact that some districts, even after passing the election for the 13 additional pennies, don’t have what others have without the election? What I am thinking is that if you project cost increases into the future, the 13 cents now will cover 2 to 3 years and it may save the taxpayers the cost of expensive elections and even allow the district to save additional funds by being able to plan ahead. Having elections every year doesn’t allow for much planning, it creates constant financial instability and is more costly in the long run. If we had a more rational system that would allow minimal tax increases where districts can plan and depend on covering increased expenses districts would not need to request 13 cents at one time.”

What will happen if this does not pass? “The tax rate will revert to $1.04 and Italy ISD will leave approximately $481,500 on the table each year at TEA.”

To ask more questions the Board of Trustees include Larry Eubank — President; Ricky Boyd — Vice President; Cindy Carter — Secretary; Paul Cockerham, Tommy Morrison, Cheryl Owen and Curtis Riddle.

To vote one way or the other, please go to Wayne Boze Building from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. this Saturday and exercise your right to vote.