An Open Letter to Maverick County Taxpayers
Dear Editor:
I wish to inform our community of something I believe to be of grave importance. This because I believe it is pertinent that they be aware of what I believe the EPISD has not made clear in the Eagle Pass Independent School District Tax Ratification Election (TRE) taking place this minute and ending with the final vote on May 27, 2017 (7:00 am to 7:00 pm).
The EPISD has made it clear that they have not raised taxes in the last 20 years. What they fail to mention is the fact that property values have increased on a yearly basis, in some cases somewhere near 60-90 % in the 2016-2017 tax year, in part, due to the fact that the Maverick County Appraisal District is comprised of, Lupita Fuentes, Ignacio Saucedo, Isamari Villareal, Luis Sifuentes, Hilda Martinez, and Isidro de Los Santos. IV, four of which are in some way associated with the EPISD.
They also intend to raise property values again this year.(I’ve already received my proposed appraisal.) They can then state with a twinkle in their eye that they have not raised taxes again. They only raised property values, which amounts to the same thing. This means more money for them to misspend. They couldn’t raise taxes if they wanted to. The State of Texas won’t allow it because they are “capped out”. This is the reason for the TRE. It is mandated under law. This is not a gift as stated by Mr. Mijares. Someone has to pay. You!
On top of that, EPISD has stated that the tax increase is just pennies. 21/2cents to be exact. I believe this to be untrue. I say this because on the ballot, it states, “Approving the ad valorem rate of $1.18043 per $100 valuation in Eagle Pass Independent School District for the current year, a rate that is $0.05071 higher per $100 valuation than the school district rollback rate, for the purpose of, etc. It is no longer 21/2 cents! It now becomes .05 cents in addition to increased property values last year plus increased property values this year, plus a raise of an additional .05 cents per $100. This is quite a haul!
On top of that, I asked EPISD on an Information Request a series of questions to determine exactly how much money was the amount of the TRE. Their response was essentially “See Attached Tax Ratification Election (TRE) Flyer. See for yourselves. See Attached:
It seems unlikely to me that EPISD does not have the answers. They have the administrative personnel to answer my questions yet are unable or unwilling to do so? They make no commitment to anything! Not to repairs of a specific building along with estimated cost. Not to teacher salaries amounts or to whom. Nothing! They made no effort whatsoever. It was very unusual.
While stationed at Fort Sam Houston, TX Toward the end of my military career, my boss told his staff, myself included, that we were to prepare ourselves for a very large financial windfall at the end of the fiscal year. We were to determine the need for specific projects, plan it out and establish estimated costs. We were to submit our proposals by 1 May for consideration and prioritization. The task was done by each department and, in the end, you have part of Fort Sam Houston today. That, along with one of the best trauma centers in the world, SAMC.
Under the circumstances, I believe we should have some idea of how these funds will be spent. They offer nothing. In essence, they can get the money and do whatever they wish. No commitment! No obligation! They just “pull a Trump” and leave everyone with a sour taste in their mouth and unable to say anything. They made no promise. They just informed the public of “what they can do” not what they promised to do. I believe this is disingenuous of EPISD.
But we are responsible because we don’t vote! We are responsible because we don’t say anything. We are timid and afraid to complain because we might lose our job. Our family member works for EPISD. They could get fired. They are family. They are friends. They are Mexican. Any excuse not to say or do anything.
We blame the politicians. We blame everyone except ourselves. We allow it, yet, we are really responsible for our own destiny. That, and the destiny of our loving, trusting children. Those that put their hope and faith in us as adults. Those we want to have a better life than what we had. Those that we gave birth to. The ones we were so proud to welcome to this world and swore we would do better for them. That special little child that grabbed your finger in its first moments of life and made your heart fill with pride. Our legacy! We fail without effort because we don’t care enough to vote for that which we believe in. I really don’t care which way you vote but I do care that you vote! Become informed! Do something! It’s your money!
Sincerely,
Albert Daniel
