Early voting in the Bastrop Independent School District (ISD) concluded with a clear message from taxpayers: keep the current tax rate. 66.33% of voters across all 15 precincts voted against Proposition A, the measure that would have raised the district’s maintenance‑and‑operations (M&O) tax rate by 1.3 cents for fiscal year 2026‑27.

What Proposition A would have done

ISD Chief Financial Officer Mike White explained that the proposed increase was projected to generate roughly $6 million each year. The additional revenue would have come from $2.4 million in local tax collections and an estimated $3.6 million in extra state funding. White said the money was intended to cover a projected shortfall, improve staff compensation and retention, add campus police officers, and maximize school funding under the state formula.

Fiscal context and district priorities

White noted that the district is already operating “pretty lean,” with department heads directed to cut 15% of their spending during the budgeting process. “Like everyone, we have more needs than we have resources,” he said, underscoring the challenge of balancing limited funds with growing educational demands.

The current M&O tax rate stands at $0.6669 per $100 of property valuation for the 2025‑26 school year. Under Proposition A, a homeowner with a $300,000 taxable value would have seen a modest increase in annual property taxes, while seniors 65 and older with a homestead exemption would have been shielded from the hike.

Voter response and turnout

Early voting in Bastrop County saw 27,632 in‑person ballots cast between October 19‑30, representing 42.2% of registered voters, according to county data. The decisive rejection of Proposition A reflects a community preference for fiscal restraint and a desire to avoid additional tax burdens.

What’s next for the district?

With the measure defeated, the ISD will continue to operate under its existing tax structure. The district will need to rely on the current budget, ongoing cost‑cutting measures, and any available state aid to address its financial shortfall. Community Impact will update the story as final, canvassed results become available.

How residents can stay informed

Taxpayers interested in following future budget discussions or upcoming ballot measures can visit the Community Impact voter guide at communityimpact.com/voter-guide for comprehensive coverage of local and state elections affecting the Bastrop‑Cedar Creek area.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.