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West Oso ISD weighs voter-approved tax-rate, approves efficiency audit as budget shortfall looms
Summary
Trustees approved an independent efficiency audit and discussed placing a voter-approved tax-rate (VATR) on the November ballot to shore up West Oso ISD finances; staff warned of a projected year‑end shortfall, rising utility costs and lost state funding tied to chronic student absences.
The West Oso Independent School District Board of Trustees voted May 20 to hire an outside firm to perform a state‑mandated efficiency audit as the board considers seeking a voter‑approved tax‑rate increase this November. The audit, proposed by Pope Audit Group, will compile independent peer comparisons and financial benchmarks to document the district’s fiscal stewardship ahead of any ballot measure.
Miss Moore told trustees the district is preparing its base budget assuming no VATR; if voters approve a tax‑rate increase, the extra revenue would be prioritized for competitive salaries, student programs and rebuilding a depleted fund balance. The district staff presented a range of VATR options the board is considering: a 5‑cent increase would yield about $1.13 million, 8 cents about $1.54 million and 10 cents about $1.82 million annually. Officials recommended narrowing consideration to an 8‑ or 10‑cent option to balance revenue needs and taxpayer impact.
Board members focused on the district’s immediate fiscal pressure. Finance staff said the district’s fund balance is approximately $1.5 million—well below the recommended three to six months of operating reserves—and noted risks from enrollment decline and operating cost increases, including a possible 20% water‑rate hike by the city. Miss Mendes explained the distinction between a point‑in‑time actual and an end‑of‑year projection, and trustees asked that future packets display both sets of numbers side‑by‑side for clarity.
Attendance shortfalls featured prominently in trustees’ concerns about revenue. Board members cited weeks in which roughly 159 student absences reduced Average Daily Attendance (ADA) and estimated the district lost about $5,883 in state funding in one sample week using an approximate $37 per‑student daily figure. Assistant principal Erica Gamas urged board involvement in campus outreach and home visits; trustees proposed regular attendance reports, outreach campaigns and public posters that quantify missed days and the corresponding revenue impact.
Dr. Missy Pope of Pope Audit Group described the efficiency audit’s scope: an independent 25–40 page report pulling TEA and public data, comparing West Oso to peer districts and issuing findings trustees can share with voters. The board approved the resolution authorizing the audit; the motion passed on roll call with five members present and two absences recorded.
Next steps: staff will produce clearer monthly reports showing both current actuals and year‑end projections, continue the budget workshop process, and return in June with more specifics on how a VATR’s revenue could be allocated. If the board proceeds with a VATR, the district must post the audit and related materials publicly before the election and follow statutory timelines for voter education and filings.
