Karnes City ISD Seeks $257 Million in November Bond Election

Karnes City ISD voters will be asked on November 3 to authorize $128 million in new borrowing for schools. With interest, the district says the cost would reach about $257 million. Trustees voted on August 10 to put the measure on the ballot, acting on a recommendation from a bond planning committee. The district also reports roughly $15.48 million in debt it already owes.

The measure is split into two questions. Proposition A, at $123 million ($247.9 million with interest), would pay for a new junior high and gym, safety and security improvements across the district, new buses, and work on current buildings such as roofing, HVAC, a larger cafeteria, and administrative offices. It would also fund an auxiliary building for health sciences and physical education. Proposition B, at $5 million ($9.8 million with interest), would build teacher housing on land the district already owns, which the district says would help it attract and keep staff. The article notes the district's bond website does not say how many units would be built or whether teachers would pay rent.

The district estimates a 6.8-cent increase for every $100 of taxable value, or about $8.64 more per year for a $150,000 home after exemptions. Homeowners 65 and older with qualifying homestead exemptions would generally not see a school tax increase on their current homes. A pro-bond committee exists, but the article says no finance reports naming its funders appear on the state ethics site. Early voting runs October 19 to 30.