Topping the agenda of last week's Lometa Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting was a hearing for the district's budget and tax rate.

With no comments taken against the financial proposals, the board approved a tax rate of $1.04 per $100 value and adopted a 2009-10 budget of $3,957,775.

In other fiscal matters, the board OK'd four budget amendments to account for the influx of funds higher than anticipated. And Business Manager David Fisher said Lometa's preparation for an upcoming audit is well in hand. "This should get us in good shape for the audit," Fisher said. "Our fund functions are well in line."

In its approval of year-end bills, the district's payouts included insulation of the ag shop, athletic supplies, athletic field fertilizer and air-conditioning repairs.

Superintendent David Rice also informed the board that three additional heating/cooling units will be installed in classrooms during September.

At a cost of $2,084, the board agreed to enlist Texas Association of School Boards as its unemployment insurance provider.

In his principal's report, Kip Bullock presented the school's dress code. He reported that through the first week of school, the staff attended to items such as keeping shirts tucked in, pants pulled up and shirts with inappropriate or vulgar slogans out of the school. In regard to hair color, trustees agreed that colors like pink, red or blue will not be allowed except on pep rally theme days as a means of promoting school spirit.

Hats worn sideways or backward also will not be allowed during school hours or at school functions, as they often are viewed as an indicator of gang affiliation.

Flip flops will remain acceptable footwear, subject to the discretion of the teacher in classroom activities such as agscience and science lab.

In other matters, Rice advised the board that its October meeting will be devoted to a prospective bond issue. The district's accountant will be brought in, and more accurate construction figures will be presented.

"There is no reason to rush into the matter of a bond election in September," said the superintendent. "October gives us more time to speak with community members and see what the feelings of a bond election are for local residents. We have plenty of time."