As a taxpayer in Anthony ISD, have you ever wondered how much of your property taxes go toward running schools versus paying off debt? Let’s break it down so you can understand where your tax dollars are going and what it means for you as a property owner.
How Anthony ISD’s Tax Rate Affects You
Anthony ISD’s total property tax rate for 2024 is $0.8803 per $100 of taxable value. Here’s how it’s divided:
- Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Tax Rate: $0.6862 per $100 – This funds everyday school expenses, such as teacher salaries, classroom materials, and facility maintenance.
- Interest & Sinking (I&S) Tax Rate: $0.1941 per $100 – This portion is dedicated to repaying school district debt, including bonds for school construction and improvements.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
If your home is valued at $200,000, your estimated school tax bill will be around $1,760 per year. That’s $1,372 toward school operations and $388 to pay down the district’s debt.
Anthony ISD’s Debt: What You’re Helping to Pay Off
When school districts need new buildings, technology upgrades, or other infrastructure improvements, they issue bonds, which taxpayers help repay over time. As of 2024, Anthony ISD has the following outstanding debt:
- Total Principal Outstanding: $2,630,000
- Total Interest Outstanding: $406,731
- Total Debt Service Outstanding (Principal + Interest): $3,036,731
Why Should This Matter to You?
Every dollar allocated to debt repayment is a dollar that could otherwise go toward classroom resources, teacher salaries, or other operational needs. If the district issues new bonds in the future, the overall debt burden—and possibly your tax rate—could increase.
How Anthony ISD’s Debt Compares to Property Values
One way to measure a district’s financial health is by comparing its debt to the total taxable property value in the area.
- GO Debt to Taxable Value: 0.60% – The district’s total outstanding debt equals just under 0.6% of all taxable property.
- GO Debt Service to Taxable Value: 0.69% – This figure includes total repayment costs (principal + interest).
Why Does This Matter?
If property values rise, the district can collect more revenue without raising tax rates. However, if values drop, the district may need to adjust tax rates to meet debt payments.
Debt Per Capita & Per Student
Another way to assess school district debt is by looking at how it affects individual residents and students.
- Debt Per Capita: $503 – The total debt divided by the estimated 5,225 residents in Anthony ISD.
- Debt Per Student (ADA): $3,823 – The total debt divided by the average daily student attendance (ADA) of 688.
What’s the Takeaway?
With an ADA decline of 6.72% over five years, student enrollment has been decreasing. This could lead to financial challenges if enrollment trends continue downward.
Understanding School Bond Elections
School districts, including Anthony ISD, use voter-approved bonds to fund school improvements. However, it’s important for taxpayers to be informed before voting on new bond measures. Here are some key points to consider:
- Every bond ballot must include the statement: “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE”.
- Districts may bundle non-essential projects into bond proposals, increasing long-term debt.
Before You Vote…
Make sure you understand what’s in the bond package. Ask for detailed spending plans and ensure taxpayer money is being used efficiently.
How to Hold Your School District Accountable
Concerned about how school bond money is spent? The Road Map to Defeat Bond Programs offers strategies for ensuring financial transparency:
- Request a breakdown of bond expenditures (construction, technology, infrastructure, etc.).
- Investigate hidden debt in lease agreements not disclosed in financial reports.
- Check for conflicts of interest between school board members and contractors.
- Monitor tax abatements that shift financial burdens onto homeowners.
For more details on scrutinizing bond programs and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, read the full guide: Road Map to Defeat Bond Programs (PDF) written by Jeff Mashburn.
Final Thoughts for Anthony ISD Taxpayers
As a property owner in Anthony ISD, you are helping to fund school operations and pay down a $3 million debt. Keeping track of how your tax dollars are spent is the best way to ensure responsible spending and tax management.
Future tax increases could happen if:
- Anthony ISD issues new bonds for additional projects.
- Property values decline, reducing tax revenue.
- The district struggles to manage its debt obligations effectively.
Stay engaged—attend public meetings, ask questions, and make informed decisions when school bond elections appear on the ballot.
Data for this report was obtained from the Texas Bond Review Board website.