On Tuesday, the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) board unanimously approved a new school tax rate that will increase the average homeowner’s annual payment by about $114. The decision reflects the board’s effort to fund district operations while staying under the voter‑approved ceiling of $1.0789 per $100 of taxable property valuation.
Details of the new rate
The adopted rate is $1.0745 per $100 of taxable property valuation. Under the Texas Constitution, most homeowners receive an exemption on the first $140,000 of their property value, and additional exemptions apply to seniors, people with disabilities, and 100% disabled veterans.
According to EPISD documents, the average tax bill for a home in the district last year was $1,179. With the new rate, the average bill will rise to $1,294.18. The average taxable value of a home after exemptions increased from $109,167 last year to $120,455 this year, reflecting rising home values across the district.
Impact on residents
Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a disability, receive an additional $60,000 exemption, further reducing their taxable base. Veterans with a 100% disability rating are exempt from all property taxes in Texas. For those without these exemptions, the modest increase translates to roughly $9.50 per month.
EPISD has not released a detailed breakdown of how the additional revenue will be allocated, but school districts typically use such funds for teacher salaries, classroom resources, and facility maintenance—areas that directly benefit students and families in the community.
Community response
ABC‑7 reached out to EPISD for comment, but the district has not yet issued a public statement. Local parents and taxpayers are encouraged to attend upcoming board meetings to voice concerns or ask questions about the budget and tax implications.
Overall, the board’s decision keeps the tax rate below the voter‑approved limit, demonstrating fiscal responsibility while ensuring the district can continue to provide quality education for El Paso’s children.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
