CCISD tax ratification election passes by nearly 3-1 margin

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

State funding for the Copperas Cove Independent School District will now increase by $4.1 million after Copperas Cove voters approved a tax ratification election, 71.8 percent to 28.2 percent, on Saturday.

A little more than 1,000 voters turned out to the polls during the election time period, with 746 voting in favor of the tax switch, and 293 voting against it.

The district’s total tax rate will remain $1.22 per $100, with $1.17 of that funding now going for maintenance and operations, and the remaining 0.05 cents going toward the district’s debt service fund.

"Copperas Cove ISD is extremely grateful for the community support for the Tax Ratification Election.  I have always said that Copperas Cove is a great community of individuals who are focused on what is best for the students and staff of CCISD,” district superintendent Joe Burns said in a statement. “With the successful TRE $4.1 million dollars will be injected in CCISD to help offset the loss of Federal Impact Aid.  On behalf of the students, staff and board of trustees, I want to say thank you to everyone for their continued support of our students and our programs."

Board of trustees president Joan Manning also issued a statement.

"We are grateful to the voters in Copperas Cove for passing the Tax Ratification Election.  The passage of the TRE will help our district in all aspects of our operations without causing a change to our total tax rate,” said Manning. “Even though we are losing Federal Impact Aid, this positive action will help our district to the tune of $4.1 million. Our students, teachers, and staff will benefit greatly from this decision.  Thank you, Copperas Cove!"