Taxpayers attack possible Ysleta ISD bond election

The Ysleta Independent School District says it needs to pass a $155 million bond to improve aging facilities. But some taxpayers are taking issue with that claim, telling the board Wednesday night they just can’t afford it.

“The Ysleta Teachers Association is totally against the passing of another bond,” said President Arlinda Valencia.

Valencia cites a number of reasons why, including the fact that YISD still has money available from the last bond it passed in 2004. Already the highest-taxing district, YISD claims this bond wouldn’t raise taxes.

District officials say they’re going to move money that was paying off old debts, to pay for this new one. But Valencia and others aren’t convinced. They’re also worried their 20 percent homestead deductible could be at risk.

“They want to take away the homestead exemption? That just seems a little harsh,” Valencia said.

But Assistant Superintendent of Finance Rolyne Kafka says taking away the homestead was brought up only to compare how preferential the bond is.

“The homestead give us a minimal amount of money compared to the bond it would raise about $12 million a year,” Kafka said. “Whereas with the bond, we can get $155 million right now with basically no tax increase to the taxpayer.”

The board has yet to decided on whether or not to hold a bond election.