A group called Texans Against Raising Taxes (TART) has been organized in opposition to the proposed school bond in the Brookesmith Independent School District.  Last month the Brookesmith ISD School Board voted to hold an election on May 7 for a bond of $9.95 million that would pay for numerous campus improvements as well as a new football stadium/track/athletic complex.

Prior to the School Board action, the District held several citizens meetings over a few months to identify and prioritize the needs of the District.  The citizens committee ultimately recommended two bonds:  one of about $4.5 million for the campus improvements, and one of a little more than $5 million for the new athletic facilities.  The School Board, however, opted to combine the two into one bond proposal of $9.95 million.

The bonds for District improvements are being proposed now because of the IP Radian Solar farm being constructed in southwest Brown County, within the bounds of the Brookesmith ISD.  Another solar farm known as Mustang Mountain has been proposed but not committed to yet.  If it is built, taxes on the two solar farms could pay for as much as 38% of the cost of the bonds, thus lowering the tax burden on the property owners in the District.

Jesse K. Richmon, Treasurer of the TART group, said they support improvements to the school campus, but not necessarily that plus the new athletic complex.  “The organization would like to see this not pass, and we would like for the Board to present a bond in the November election that reflects what the community recommended.  In my opinion they are not doing what was recommended.  The needs of the campus need to take precedence.”

For more information about the issue from the TART organization, contact them at this email address:  [email protected].