The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees Monday night set the 2014 tax rate, and agreed on calling for a Tax Ratification Election on Saturday, Sept. 13, asking voters to authorize the new tax rate.

According to information on the district's website, the total tax rate for 2014 is $1.5855, less than the 2013 rate. The new tax rate will bring in more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year's.

The tax rate will effectively be raised by 12.88 percent, and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $84.50.

Information from the Texas Association of School Boards says a Tax Ratification Election is required by law since the board is proposing to raise the M&O portion of the total tax rate. The action is being taken to maximize its revenues from the state under the Texas school finance system.

Also, at the meeting Joaquin ISD Trustees also accepted letters of resignation from Ashley Dean and Leisa Chadwick, and approved hiring of Ashley Kostra, Jennifer Sipes, Kathy Brittain, Kaprice Hill, Sharron Shanz, Angela Gillis and Paula Pliler on one year probationary contracts.