Seems like they tried to pass this in three bonds and that did not work so they have basically come back and put it into one bond and said all or nothing. Thoughts?
SteveBott said:
The state has dramatically reduced public school funding. From somewhere of 60% to 40% in the last 15 years. They crow about not raising taxes every election.
But we still pay. Our property taxes are some of the highest in the nation. CO and CA? Try 1% or less.
Don't get me started on title insurance.
SteveBott said:
Not really. I've done hundreds of loans in those states and it's a wash. Comes down to income level. The false brag about no income taxes is just that.
SteveBott said:
I've lived in CA as well. Many family there now. Prop 13 is your friend. Aunt pays 1978 taxes on a Westwood purchasetat 70k and the home is worth north of 10 million. She is retired so personal income tax is negligible.
What do we pay? 2.25 to 3.5% on property. It's a wash.
ATXAdvisor said:
While I completely understand and sympathize with those that are burdened with higher tax rates, if I read the bond info correctly for RRISD, this bond won't increase the tax rate at all. If property tax increases are primarily coming from property value increases, isn't that the way it's supposed to work?
What chipotle is talking about here is really the biggest issue to me. Its just pull it out of a hat.chipotle said:ATXAdvisor said:
While I completely understand and sympathize with those that are burdened with higher tax rates, if I read the bond info correctly for RRISD, this bond won't increase the tax rate at all. If property tax increases are primarily coming from property value increases, isn't that the way it's supposed to work?
I think what I read a few will and I think it's too convenient that the county can just put their finger in their mouth and up in the wind to determine a "value" that suits them.
Just to let you know. I know Flores. He did not want this bond. This one is not on him this one is on the School Board.AgGrad99 said:
This infuriates me. Continually the board (and Flores) pulls a bait and switch. It's a hallmark of his tenure. They did the exact same thing with the re-zoning a couple years ago, and the last bond package that was approved.
You beat me to it. This is the #1 complaint I've heard from people...by far.Quote:
Finally the main thing that frustrates me is make high school #6 "Shovel Ready Design". Were not even getting a high school out of this which is what is really needed. (There were were 1,000 freshman that entered Round Rock this year. There will be 1,000 next year and so on. eventually it will be 4,000+ kids) They will be back in a few years asking for another bond to actually build the high School. WE NEED SCHOOLS NOW!! Put that in the bond. I will vote for that. $508,000,000 and we will get ONE elementary school out of it. It is glut I tell you. Loss of focus on what really needs to happen.
He did not. I maybe should not have even posed this here. Not really common knowledge. I think it is likely though that he knows we need schools.AgGrad99 said:Interesting.Quote:
Just to let you know. I know Flores. He did not want this bond. This one is not on him this one is on the School Board.
Unprompted, I was given the impression by my friends on the committed, that he was the one pushing for this particular one. Makes me think no one wants to claim it (yet)
Did he say which he'd have preferred? Curious what he wants different...
Not sure why there would be opposition. All the High School are headed towards the busting at the seems levels.AgGrad99 said:
I wonder if the HS was removed, to appease areas that might have put up opposition for it.
I am not pointing the finger but i suspect that the support of the Westwood voting public on this one will cause it to pass. Its not that i do not want that for your daughter is just that this is how people politically ramrod things through. I do not like that at any level. Of course we need improvements there if that is the case. But do we need to replace HVAC systems across the district? I am skeptical.Charpie said:
I was one of those Westwood parents who *****ed and moaned at the last bond proposal.
I will be supporting this bond for two reasons only.
1. Maintenance money for Westwood. My daughter is in Color Guard and athletics. The girls locker room hasn't had hot water for showers since school started. The volleyball and cross country coaches have continued to put in work orders to get the water issue fixed, but there is "no money."
2. Finishing off the master plan for Westwood. My daughter, and every other math student, has math outside in portal buildings. I'm sorry, those kids are sitting ducks for anyone who wants to do something malicious at Westwood.
The ISD loves to brag about the academics at Westwood, yet its the most run down school in the district. With 57 national merit scholar semi finalists, its time to take care of this school.
Honestly it probably makes more sense. Tough spot for the district. We really need both. That is what is frustrating about this much money in a bond and very little brick and mortar.AgGrad99 said:
Yeah....people in Terra Vista want it out there
Will they? I didnt know this.Quote:
Heck it's so bad that part of Pearson Ranch will be diverted to Westwood next year.