Yoakum VATRE
November 4, 2025
Unofficial Election Results
| For | Against | Cast Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWitt County | 247 | 208 | 455 |
| Lavaca County | 300 | 218 | 518 |
| Gonzales County | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| All Counties | 548 | 426 | 974 |
Thank you, YISD Voters!
We sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to cast their vote in the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election. Your participation makes a difference in shaping the future of our schools and community.
November 4, 2025 Election Information
Yoakum ISD Board Unanimously Calls Voter Approval Tax Rate Election for November 2025
Yoakum, TX (September 2025) – 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.
Impact on Taxpayers
- With the proposal of the Homestead Exemption increasing from $100K to $140K, all homeowners will see some tax relief, even with the VATRE.
- The taxes due on an average residence in Yoakum ISD are $156.69 less than the previous year.
- Homeowners over 65 and disabled persons with a Homestead Exemption will see no tax increase over the frozen amount as a result of the VATRE unless they make substantial improvements to their homestead.
VATRE vs Bond
| VATRE | Bond | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Election | Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election | Bond Election |
| Tax Rate Affected | VATREs increase the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate. | Bonds increase the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate. |
| Use of Funding | VATREs generate funding for people and programs. Funds can be used for general operations such as salaries, school supplies, fuel and utility bills. | Bonds generate funding for renovating school buildings or building new facilities. |
| Limitations | VATREs cannot be used to fund construction or renovation of school facilities. | Bonds cannot be used for staff salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, fuel, or insurance. |
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.
Election Information
Election day voting will take place on November 4, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. To see early voting information, click the Early Voting Information tab and then click the + beside your county. To see what the ballot will say, click the Ballot Language Tab.
Early Voting Locations
Click each county below for early voting information.
Ballot Language
Property Tax Estimator
Would you like to see an estimate of your 2025 property taxes? Try our Property Tax Estimator.
Comparison of the taxes on a $140K house. In 2024, based on a Homestead Exemption of $100K and tax rate of 0.97059%, the taxes were $388.20. In 2025, based on a $140K Homestead Exemption and tax rate of 1.04385%, the taxes were $0, resulting in Potential Tax Relief of $388.20.
Comparison of the taxes on a $200K house. In 2024, based on a Homestead Exemption of $100K and tax rate of 0.97059%, the taxes were $970.05. In 2025, based on a $140K Homestead Exemption and tax rate of 1.04385%, the taxes were $623.10, resulting in Potential Tax Relief of $346.95.
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.
Based on calculations from DeWitt, Lavaca and Gonzales Counties, the operation tax levy resulting from this year's tax rate with the VATRE does not exceed last year's operation tax levy.
Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election Order
Notice of Special Election - Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE)