Aldine District considers tax increase

By P.J. Williams

A four cent tax increase may be needed to meet the $358.9 million budget for the 2003-2004 school year even though it is $18.3 million less than last year’s budget.

According to AISD financial superintendent Keith Clark the tax increase will be decided on in August after the Harris County Appraisal District releases the new appraisals for property values. “At this time, this is the rate we think we will need for the budget we’ve approved,” Clark said. “If property values go up over what we projected, then we won’t have to raise taxes as much.”

According to Clark, the average property value in the Aldine district is $79,000. Even if the 4 cent increase is needed, the average homeowner would see an increase of only $25 a year, or $2.13 a month.