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CFO Cristina Torres previews Mercedes ISD 2026–27 budget, projects 1.064 total tax rate
Summary
At a June 9 budget workshop, Mercedes ISD CFO Cristina Torres presented preliminary 2026–27 budget projections including a proposed total tax rate of 1.064 (M&O 0.7240; I&S 0.34), revenue recognized of roughly $45.8M vs. $61.6M budgeted, and a projected $1.5M operating deficit in the health insurance fund.
Cristina Torres, chief financial officer for Mercedes Independent School District, presented the district’s preliminary 2026–27 budget projections during a June 9 budget workshop at the JFK Administration Building. "The preliminary total tax rate for 2026-2027 is projected at 1.064, with the M&O rate at 0.7240 and the I&S rate unchanged at 0.34," Torres said.
Torres said the district had recognized approximately $45.8 million in revenue against a budgeted $61.6 million as of April 30, with payroll accounting for about 71% of the general fund budget. She reported the general fund balance is projected to rise from about $12.0 million to roughly $13.5 million by year end, but she flagged the health insurance fund as facing "a projected operating deficit of approximately $1.5 million." The CFO told trustees the final budget and tax rate will be presented for adoption before the start of the fiscal year; the board asked no questions during the presentation.
The presentation focused on high-level fiscal indicators and fund balances rather than specific program changes or personnel proposals. Trustees received the information for review; no formal action was taken at the workshop. The district’s next formal steps, according to the CFO, are to incorporate any adjustments and bring the recommended final budget and tax-rate ordinance to the board for adoption as required by statutory timelines.
