The South San Antonio ISD Board oif Education voted Tuesday night to place a property tax increase on the ballot in August. Or at least they thought they had approved the bond issue after the board members voted 4-2 in favor of the new tax rate, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
But it seems now they'll need a do-over.
One member of the seven member board was absent for the meeting, so the four votes in favor did not meet the 60% required to call a Tax Ratification Election. The board will need the votes of five members.
Actually, six board members voted in favor of the bond election itself, but only four voted to approve the new tax rate that will require approval of the property tax increase.
"As a result, both of the votes are null and void," the district said in a statement.“We sincerely apologize to the community for this oversight,” says Superintendent Dr. Abelardo Saavedra who also said, “we will do right by our community as the need remains and bring this back for a vote.”
The South San ISD says it hopes to raise more money to avoid the fate of neighboring San Antonio ISD, which was forced to lay off teachers and support staffers to deal with declining enrollment.
South San is facing enrollment declines as well, but the district says the property tax increase would allow employees to remain on the job.