In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed historic property tax relief that was intended to cut the average homeowner’s tax bill by roughly $1,300 per year. Unfortunately, tax-and-spend local governments have eroded much of those anticipated savings through rate hikes, bond elections, and a special type of tax increase election known as a Voter-Approval Tax Rate...
The true cost of government debt is often understated. Case-in-point: Houston ISD’s “record-breaking” $4.4 billion bond package. To date, most of the media coverage surrounding HISD’s astronomical ask has focused on the principal amount alone, i.e., the $4.4 billion figure. However, as a recent Houston Chronicle article reminds, repaying government debt involves more than just...
It’s happened again—another government employee got a golden parachute. The Dallas Express recently reported that Harlingen ISD’s outgoing superintendent is resigning under mysterious circumstances, and they’re departing with a lot of taxpayer money, “even as the school district faces financial challenges.” The size of the severance? Over $250,000 plus the value of unused leave. The...
Edgewood ISD finds itself in the midst of controversy once more. It was revealed recently that the lackluster school district had approved a contract extension and pay hike for its superintendent. As reported by the San Antonio Express-News, “the Edgewood Independent School District board extended his contract to 2029 and raised his salary to $291,923.”...
The residents of Whitesboro, Texas recently reminded everyone that speaking up matters. Last month, the Whitesboro city government caused quite the stir when it first proposed an eye-popping tax increase that would have meant a 30% tax rate hike, a 45% jump in homeowner taxes, and a 39% growth in the tax levy. Here’s more...
It has become increasingly apparent that the cost of housing is rising at an alarming rate. Young Texans cannot become homeowners, and current homeowners are burdened by massive property tax bills that come from aggressive tax rate adoption, excessive debt, and the abuse of nonvoter-approved debt instruments like certificates of obligation. While this might be...
How much do Houston’s highest paid public school principals make in year? The Houston Chronicle has answers. According to a recently published analysis of the 50 highest-paid principals in the Houston area, administrator salaries ranged between $153,000 to more than $200,000, roughly 2-to-3 times the median household income. The highest paid principal was Mark Smith,...