Voters approve Fort Worth ISD plan to increase property taxes with 52% in favor
Voters showed support for a Fort Worth Independent School District plan to raise property taxes by 7.4%, according to unofficial Tarrant County elections results Wednesday morning.
With all voting centers reporting, the measure garnered 78,407 votes for it and 72,304 votes against it, winning approval with a margin of 52%. The measure will increase the property tax rate from $1.282 per $100 valuation to $1.378.
The increase will provide an additional $66 million in tax revenue, including $22 million from the state, the Fort Worth school district said. Taxes on a $200,000 home with a homestead exemption will increase by $168.50.
The school district said last month the increased tax revenue would go toward $12 million in teacher compensation and provide funds for health and safety, security, and connectivity and devices.
The district said that increasing teacher pay would allow it to attract and keep the best teachers possible. Students will have easier access to technology and wireless hot spots.
The tax will go into effect immediately.
Northwest school district and the Arlington school district also proposed tax increases. The Northwest measures failed, while Arlington voters narrowly approved the increase.
This story was originally published November 3, 2020 at 7:13 PM.