PORT ARTHUR - A two week early voting period has begun for the Port Arthur ISD tax election.
Early voting runs from 8am-4pm September 10-21. You can vote early at Port Arthur City Hall and the Port Arthur Public Library.
The election September 25 will determine if PAISD can increase the tax rate from $1.04 to $1.17.
Dr. Johnny Brown, the PAISD superintendent, told KFDM News the district is holding the line in many areas but must address financial concerns, including a $3 million payment each year linked to a Valero Refinery lawsuit. The district must repay Valero $18 million for a five year period. The repayment is based on a court decision. The district isn't accused of doing anything wrong.
Brown says the district must also replace old, worn buses. 38 buses are at least 10 years old. Each new bus costs $75,000-$100,000. Brown says $750,000 would go toward replacement costs and another $750,000 toward vehicle maintenance. He told us even if the tax increase passes, the district will struggle with vehicle replacement for several years, but he says it must be addressed because the safety of students is a top priority.
The district has $750,000 in capital improvement needs, Brown told us, and it would like to make available $1.2 million for staff compensation because the district couldn't provide a cost of living increase last year.
He told us enrollment is up 200 students this year, test scores are improving, and the district must be able to retain teachers and recruit new staff.
"It's all about the children," said Brown. "It's not something frivolous. We have no alternatives. We've done everything we can to tighten our belt. We've increased class size. I hated to do it. We've reduced administrative positions by 15, from 94 to 79.
The Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce has chosen not to support the proposed tax increase.
Chamber President Bill McCoy told KFDM News they aren't actively campaigning against the tax rate increase but choosing not to come out in support of it.
"The economy, we must remain competitive to attract businesses," McCoy told KFDM News. "Our rate is one of the highest in the area. We support the district. We believe now is the time to live within our budget until the economy improves. They're asking for about a $5.5 million increase. We won't abandon them. We encourage members to contribute their time and effort to the district."
Related Stories
- More Texas News
- National News
- International News
- Man linked to Mexican cartel gets 16 years
- Tax break weekend in Texas for Energy Star items
- Insured Texas tornadoes damage could reach $250M
- UT, Texas A&M systems to open joint library
- Bush hosts bike ride for military combat veterans
- Jury to receive Villalobos bribery case
- Officials to remind boaters about zebra mussels
- DOTD installs enhanced equipment at sinkhole
- Cliburn piano contest kicks off in Fort Worth
- Cowboys DT charged in deadly wreck due in court
- Jury foreman says Arias testimony didn't help her
- Obama addressing Naval Academy graduates 2nd time
- Boston bombing suspect's hearing rescheduled again
- Gov. Christie boosts Jersey shore on 'Today'
- 10 Things to Know for Today
- Bail hearing set in Pa. baby's faith-healing death
- Wheelchair lift out of Wis. promises more access
- IRS replaces official who revealed targeting
- Obama balances threats against Americans' rights
- Safe room mandates remain rare in tornado states
- Austria links UN peacekeepers to Syria arms ban
- Kerry, Lavrov to meet in Paris
- Correction: Mozambique-UN story
- Egypt: 3 women killed in 'honor' crime
- Ruby says her sworn testimony was lies
- Pakistan: US diplomat kills pedestrian in accident
- Zimbabwe activist: Prisoners denied Aids drugs
- EU approves better bee protection rules
- Ugandan president removes army chief amid dispute
- Obama's drone speech welcomed in Pakistan, Yemen
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
Wedding Central
The greatest Southeast Texas story ever told. Share your wedding and engagement news!
Lost and Found Pets
These are pets that have been lost or found in the KFDM News Channel 6 viewing area.
No Text Zone
Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE
Texas Lottery
Texas Lottery
Community Calendar
Check out our Community Calendar!
Baby Talk
Baby Talk with Nicole Murray.
KFDM Channel 6 Top Stories
Business News
Asia stocks extend losses after big sell-off
BANGKOK (AP) -- Asian stocks continued to retreat today after being routed the day before by unexpectedly weak Chinese manufacturing and fears the Federal Reserve will start withdrawing its monetary stimulus.
Consumer News
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"HANGOVER 3"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- All hangovers come to an end eventually, and so, too, "The Hangover" franchise.
Get This
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: RESTAURANT FLAP LEADS TO INTERNET MELTDOWN
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- It isn't exactly to curry favor with your restaurant customers -- even if your specialty isn't curry.
