Comal ISD Lowers Tax Rate Seven Cents

Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved a seven-cent decrease in the district’s tax rate at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, lowering it from $1.39 to $1.32.

The new rate takes effect immediately.

This is the second time the Board of Trustees has lowered the tax rate in the past five years. In 2014 the tax rate was lowered from $1.43 to $1.39.

“With the continued growth in our area, we are aware of what our taxpayers are faced with as their property values continue to increase,” said Comal ISD Board President Jason York. “We believe that this seven-cent decrease will help ease the burden of rising property values on our local taxpayers. As we look forward to future budget years, we foresee additional opportunities to lower our overall tax rate for the benefit of homeowners.”

The lower tax rate comes on the heels of significant changes in school finance legislation approved by the 86th Texas Legislature in June, Comal ISD said in a press release.

Tax rate compression was a key component of the school finance system overhaul as a way to minimize the impact of increasing appraisal values on taxpayers, particularly in fast-growth areas such as Comal ISD, the district said.

“We are fortunate to be located in one of the fastest growing areas of the state as it gives us the ability to offer our students more opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Comal ISD Superintendent Andrew Kim.

“At the same time, we are also cognizant of the challenges that come with an additional 1,000 new students per year,” he said. “Fortunately, the state has implemented measures that – along with enrollment and appraisal growth – generate revenue to make up for the lower tax rate.”