HCDE Reduces Tax Rate & Increases Services

Style Magazine Newswire | 9/21/2020, 1:23 p.m.
"During these unprecedented times, I think it is important for residents of Harris County to know that we are in …

"During these unprecedented times, I think it is important for residents of Harris County to know that we are in this together," said HCDE Board President Eric Dick. "Many business are struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. Harris County Department of Education is going to tighten its belt and lead fellow school districts by example."

On September 17, 2020, Harris County Department of Education conducted its first in-person meeting where it's trustees vote to save county taxpayers money by lowering the tax rate. The decision was unanimous with trustees Amy Hinojosa, Andrea Duhon, Richard Cantu, Danny Norris, Don Sumners, and Eric Dick, all voting for the lower tax rate, with Mike Wolfe being absent.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, HCDE began its "Because We Care" initiative, where it was one of the first governmental entities to distribute hand sanitizer, masks, and food supplies to residents. It also reinvested in teachers and their staff by increasing the minimum wage to $13.50 (set to be $15.00 in 2021). Finally, leadership utilized record low bond rates to reinvest nearly fifty-million-dollars in adult education, early childhood development, special education, therapy services (including music), and drug recovery.

Harris County Department of Education is the only governmental entity to reduce its tax rate and increase its services. "HCDE uses its tax rate as seed money to invest in the various businesses it owns.," says Board Chairman Eric Dick. "The result is that we turn $1 of tax money collected into $5 of governmental services. We serve as a model for being frugal and compassionate."

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