Residents urge clearer tax‑rate language and tighter budgeting at Montgomery ISD public comment

Two members of the public addressed the Montgomery ISD board during the April 15 public‑comment period, urging greater transparency and fiscal restraint.

Josh Jaros told trustees that a statement on the district web site — “the board was very excited to adopt a lower property tax rate, which will provide homeowners with much‑needed relief” — was misleading in his view because the board’s adopted 2023 rate was higher than the “no‑new‑revenue” rate and therefore increased taxes for many homeowners. “When you all have taken credit for what the state legislature has done, that is not being transparent,” Jaros said, and asked the board to revise website wording to “more accurately reflect what you guys are doing with setting the tax rates.”

Bob Coats (self‑identified in public comment as a local Republican Party area chairman and former teacher) urged trustees to adopt more disciplined budgeting practices, including a citizen budget committee and zero‑based line‑item budgeting at campuses. Coats said he believed current spending culture encourages unnecessary growth and recommended stronger spending controls so more money would be available for teacher pay increases. “You need to approach a less bonding out approach and a more restrained financial approach that frees up money every year for small raises for teachers,” he said.

Board president and staff did not take action during public comment. Dr. Ruffin thanked speakers and indicated staff would follow up where appropriate.

Ending: These public comments were recorded in the board’s minutes; trustees did not adopt any immediate policy changes but will continue to discuss budget processes during financial briefings and future meetings.