VATRE 2025

Yoakum ISD Board Unanimously Calls Voter Approval Tax Rate Election for November 2025

For more information, including an example of the language you will see on the ballot, a tax estimator, and a listing of early voting locations, dates and times, please go to 2025 VATRE Election Information.

In the August 18, 2025 meeting, the Yoakum ISD Board of Trustees approved an order calling a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) for Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The VATRE will ask voters to consider a three-cent increase to the district’s tax rate. If approved by voters, the VATRE would generate an estimated $900,000 dollars in annual funding for Yoakum ISD, with approximately $400,000 of that amount coming from the state. The money generated through the VATRE will be utilized by Yoakum ISD to increase staff compensation. None of the revenue generated by the VATRE would be subject to recapture, meaning all of it would remain in the district to be used locally for staff compensation. The decision to place the measure on the ballot follows several months of review by the district’s leadership team, which has been assessing operational requirements, staffing costs, and current funding levels.

Clarification of Ballot Language for Proposition A (Also Known as the VATRE)

SB1025, which passed in the latest legislative session, requires the language, “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE”, to appear at the top of a VATRE ballot. In the case of Proposition A, which will be on the November 4, 2025 ballot for voters who reside within the boundaries of Yoakum Independent School District, the ballot language may seem particularly confusing.

The fact that even though Proposition A is a tax rate increase, it is not a tax revenue increase. Voters will see where the ballot states "an increase of -10.5920 percent" in tax revenue. This means that Yoakum ISD's tax revenue is actually going to be $1,296,271 lower than it was for the previous year if the VATRE passes.

Why is this? This is due largely to a reduction in property values in our area. The increase in the Homestead Exemption will also lower the tax revenue Yoakum ISD receives.

If Proposition A passes, Yoakum ISD will generate an additional $500,000 annually, plus Yoakum ISD will be able to access $400,000 in state funding. This gives Yoakum ISD $900,000 for staff compensation. Further, this $900,000 is not subject to recapture by the state for redistribution to other districts.

Residents of the Yoakum Independent School District who would like additional information about Proposition A on the November 4, 2025, election ballot should contact Superintendent Tom Kelley at (361) 293-3162.

Voting

Yoakum ISD encourages all registered voters to exercise their right to vote and vote on the upcoming election ballot on Proposition A. The last day to register to vote in this important election is Monday, October 6, 2025. Early voting will be held October 20 through October 31, 2025.

Election day voting will take place on November 4, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.