Mesquite ISD board adopts proposed tax rate increase, moves to place question before voters

The Mesquite Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 7–0 Aug. 10 to adopt a proposed increase in the district's property tax rate and to move forward with matters related to a voter-approval tax ratification election in November.

Trustee Greg Everett moved the motion, saying on the record, "I move that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of the tax rate of $1.17.62, which is effectively an 11.68% increase in the tax rate." The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. Finance staff told trustees the adopted rate would allow the district to ask voters for additional local pennies to address projected deficits and avoid deeper cuts to programs and personnel.

Mr. Prado, the district finance presenter, told the board that asking voters to approve nine additional "copper pennies" would generate "approximately 22,400,000" per year and said those funds would be used to "preserve student programs, address staff compensation, and augment safety and security." Trustees said they were reluctant to cut programs that affect classroom instruction and cited enrollment declines and rising costs as drivers for the request.

Board members said the VATRE would give residents the choice on additional local revenue. The board also approved administrative matters needed to hold the election on Nov. 3, 2026. The superintendent and finance staff said they will return to the board with audit and election details as the process continues.