Early voting for Woodsboro ISD’s Tax Rollback Election on Oct. 10 begins next Wednesday at the Refugio Elections Administration office in the Shopping Center.

Rachel Garcia, administrator announced early voting times this week.

The office will be open for voting on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. beginning Sept. 23 through Oct. 6. The office will also be open on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for voting.

Superintendent Steven Self said turnout has been light for meetings set up before the election to explain the path that led to the tax rollback mandate.

“Our goal has been to explain why we’re having this election,” Self said. “I hope the low turnout is because our citizens understand the reasons behind this.”

Ironically, no matter the outcome of the election, Woodsboro ISD taxpayers’ total tax rate will be $1.441 per $100 property evaluation.

“The benefit of approving the proposed tax rate is adding more value to your pennies,” Self said. “By receiving the maximum state funding, we get the most from the state without burdening local taxpayers.”

A yes vote will generate approximately $420,000 extra dollars from the state, Self said.

A no vote will generate $150,000 less than last year in state and local funds and the taxpayers will end up with the same $1.441 tax rate.

If school district state funds are decreased, the district will be forced into deficit spending, Self said.

“We’re trying to maximize the amount the state sends us,” the superintendent said. “If it doesn’t pass, the district voters have nothing to gain.”

At stake is additional tax money, not additional taxpayer dollars.

“It doesn’t make much sense the way we’re doing it but that’s what the state requires,” Self said.