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Residents press board for audits, spending cuts amid tentative tax increase
Summary
During two public-comment periods on May 4, multiple residents urged the Big Spring board to pursue audits and spending reductions instead of higher taxes, citing prior surpluses, enrollment declines and household strain.
Residents used both public-comment periods at the May 4 meeting to press the board over a proposed tax increase and to demand independent review of district finances. One commenter (S7) said the district “squandered” a prior $5.1 million surplus and questioned why taxes were again being increased rather than cutting spending.
A different speaker (S11) asked whether the board had commissioned a performance or forensic audit, saying, “Have we done performance audit?” and suggesting outside reviewers could identify inefficiencies. Several speakers highlighted enrollment declines (about 60 students this year), questioned long-term capital-project lists, and warned that repeated tax hikes could push residents from the district. Board members acknowledged those concerns and said they will continue discussing options and review additional information before the June 8 final vote.
