Bastrop ISD CFO outlines budget timeline and awaits state action on HB2/HB3

Mike White, Bastrop ISD chief financial officer, told the board the district is preparing a conservative budget in advance of expected legislative action on House Bills 2 and 3.

White said the state's basic allotment language in House Bill 2 had been adjusted upward in committee discussions and that the district had seen indications the allotment could be moved toward $65.50 per student (he described prior draft language near $63.80 and a later figure roughly $65.50). "They were able to do some maneuvering and calculations there," White said, describing the possible adjustment and the uncertainty remaining until bills reach the governor.

He described timing: the board can expect a proposed budget on May 13, a publishing window in early June and a planned budget adoption on June 17, with legal certification steps through July and a separate tax-rate adoption in September. White said the district's no-new-revenue scenario shows roughly $139.7 million in revenues and expenditures; he warned that pay raises and increased services remain contingent on funding from the state and on insurance-rate outcomes (TRS medical rates, property-casualty coverage updates).

Trustees asked about medical insurance cost trends, possible alternatives, and facility maintenance. White said TRS medical-rate announcements had been pushed to early June and that property-casualty rates had risen in prior years but were not expected to spike 60% year over year. He emphasized enrollment and certified values will determine the debt-service side of the tax rate and again urged caution until state budget action is final.