Facing budget deficits, two Tarrant County school districts seek tax rate increases

Voters across north Tarrant County will head to the polls Nov. 5 to decide on tax rate propositions that will impact school districts’ budgets and taxpayers’ wallets. 

Northwest ISD and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD have both placed school district tax rate raises on the ballot in response to financial strains driven by rapid enrollment growth and limited state funding increases. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day. 

Northwest ISD

In Northwest ISD, voters will consider Proposition A, which seeks to increase the property tax rate to address a $15.8 million budget shortfall. 

The district serves over 31,000 students and is experiencing fast enrollment growth, which has outpaced state funding, according to the district. Northwest ISD serves students in Justin, Haslet and parts of north Fort Worth.

Agreeing to the tax increase would help the district manage its budget deficit, while keeping the current rate could lead to larger class sizes and reduced district services, the district said.

If voters approve the proposed tax rate increase, the new average property tax bill would be $4,403.53. 

This would represent a decrease of $167.91 from last year’s tax bill, as property values throughout the district fell on average. 

But, in applying the proposed tax rate to last year’s appraisal numbers for reference, the average property tax bill to Northwest ISD would have been $4,697.50 with the approved tax bump — $126 higher than what the average homeowner paid in 2023.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

Similarly, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is proposing a tax rate increase through its own Proposition A to sustain school operations amid anticipated budget shortfalls and declining enrollment numbers. In June, trustees approved a 2023-24 amended budget with a $4.76 million deficit.

Approving the increase would maintain current district programs and staff levels, while maintaining the current tax rate would risk fiscal repercussions for the district, officials said.

If voters approve the proposed tax rate increase, the new average property tax bill would be $4,486.97. 

This would represent an increase of $387.99 from last year’s tax bill, as property values rose throughout the district. 

But, in applying the proposed tax rate to last year’s appraisal numbers for reference, the average property tax bill to Grapevine-Colleyville ISD would have been $4,092.78 with the approved tax bump — $6.20 lower than what the average homeowner paid in 2023.

This story will be updated after polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 5.

Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.org or @matthewsgroi1. 

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