In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the results of a survey aimed at gauging voter awareness regarding property tax language on upcoming bond election ballots. The survey revealed that only 26% of respondents were aware that the ballot language must indicate a property tax increase, regardless of whether the tax rate itself would rise. Furthermore, only 34% of those surveyed expressed confidence that their tax rate would not increase despite the ballot's wording.

The survey, conducted by HPM, cost $36,000 and included responses from 400 likely voters, reflecting demographics aligned with previous presidential election turnout in the Round Rock Independent School District (ISD). Notably, one-third of respondents were current parents of students enrolled in the district.

Trustees expressed concern over the implications of the survey findings, particularly regarding the potential challenges in passing a proposed new stadium as part of the bond package. Discussions highlighted the importance of community understanding and support for the bond measures, with some trustees suggesting that the stadium project could be separated into its own proposition to enhance the chances of overall bond approval.

Financial advisor Rudy Mejia provided insights into the district's strong financial standing, noting that Round Rock ISD is rated AAA by both Moody's and Fitch. He explained that the district could lower its interest and sinking (INS) tax rate by one penny while still proposing a billion-dollar bond election, thanks to effective debt management strategies implemented over the past several years.

The meeting underscored the complexities of voter perception regarding tax implications and the strategic planning necessary to ensure the success of upcoming bond measures. As the district prepares for the bond election, officials are focused on clarifying the ballot language and addressing community concerns to foster informed voter participation.