School District Proposes Raise in Property Taxes for Residents, to be Decided on Ballot in November
The Hurst-Euless-Bedford (HEB) Independent School District has placed a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) on the November 4, 2025 ballot, aiming to increase its Maintenance and Operations (M&O) property tax rate. The proposed tax rate is $1.0289 per $100 valuation, a slight increase from the previous year's rate of $0.9689.
If approved, the total tax rate will still be 1.5 cents lower than 2023 projections and significantly lower than rates from previous years. The funds raised will be used to maintain and expand academic programs, improve safety, and increase staff salaries.
Nearby districts have had varying experiences with VATREs. For instance, Northwest ISD's 2025 VATRE seeks to ratify a total tax rate of $1.0841 per $100 valuation. Although this may appear as an increase, it is projected to result in a decrease in homeowners’ tax bills compared to 2024 due to changes in taxable values and exemptions. This includes an additional $12 million in M&O revenue, but the overall tax impact for the average homeowner is about $448 less annually compared to last year.
Regarding Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, no specific VATRE or tax rate details were found in the search results. However, many neighboring districts in the region have passed VATRE elections to fund operations in recent years, similar to HEB ISD's approach.
If voters reject the tax increase, the district may need to consider changes to staffing and programming. Board Vice President Julie Cole supports the VATRE, stating that it is necessary to maintain and continue offering the best programs and people for students in HEB ISD. Board member John Biggan voted yes on bringing the VATRE to the ballot, acknowledging that while it is not his first choice, it is the appropriate action in this particular situation as without it, the quality of education may suffer.
Community meetings about the VATRE will take place over the coming months. The exact location and details of these meetings are yet to be announced. HEB ISD spokesperson Deanne Hullender is involved in the organization of the VATRE.
If voters approve the tax bump in November, it will help reduce the school district's $20.6 million deficit by around $12 million. KERA News encourages readers who find its reporting valuable to make a tax-deductible gift. For tips related to the VATRE, readers can email [email protected].
[1] Northwest ISD 2025 VATRE Proposal: What Homeowners Need to Know, Star-Telegram, 2025. [2] Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district to ask voters for tax increase, Fort Worth Business Press, 2025.
- The community meetings about the Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford (HEB) Independent School District will provide residents with more information on the proposed tax increase and its potential impact on education, staff salaries, and safety measures.
- General-news outlets, such as KERA News, are providing updates and analysis on the VATRE proposals from various school districts, including HEB ISD and Northwest ISD, offering insights on how these tax rates could affect local homeowners and students.
- With the VATRE on the November 4, 2025 ballot, voters in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford (HEB) Independent School District will have the opportunity to decide on the proposed tax increase, which could help reduce the district's deficit and enable improvements in academic programs and infrastructure.
