CFISD board adopts higher 2026 property tax rate in 6–1 vote

The Cypress‑Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees voted 6–1 to adopt a higher 2026 property tax rate, with trustees saying the increase is necessary to sustain district operations amid state funding shifts and inflationary pressures.

CFO Karen Smith told trustees she had presented a tax‑rate analysis at the work session and summarized state actions that offset local homestead exemptions. Karen Smith said, “I shared a presentation on the tax rate, on Thursday,” and answered trustee questions about how state hold‑harmless adjustments and increases in the basic allotment affected district revenue. Trustees noted enrollment declines and rising costs for payroll, health insurance and transportation as driving factors behind the decision. The motion to set the tax resolution passed 6–1 following a motion, second and roll call vote.