Beginning with early voting next week, Lometa residents will be given the opportunity to determine the direction school construction will take in the near future.

Appearing on the ballot will be the option of a school district bond for new construction/expansion for Lometa Independent School District.

The $4.37 million bond allows for construction of a gymnasium, four classrooms, a science lab, a lecture room and a multi-purpose concession stand.

The design also includes a circular drive behind the school for student drop-off and pick-up to alleviate traffic congestion at the front of the school.

“The public forum meetings showed the need for a new gymnasium, additional classrooms and an up-to-date science lab,” said Lometa ISD Superintendent David Rice.

The project would call for demolition of barracks used as classrooms, and will allow for future expansion.

Reports in recent years have listed Lampasas County as one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, the superintendent said. While Lometa’s average daily attendance is in the 280-student range, and its numbers have remained constant -- with the exception of a small first-grade class and two larger-than-normal preschool classes -- with ongoing countywide development, growth is anticipated.

In regard to a tax increase, it was reported that taxes will increase approximately 28 to 30 cents per $100 valuation, depending upon the payoff plan chosen by the school district if the bond election passes.

If voters pass the bond issue, tax rates will hinge upon the district’s choice to take out a 25-year municipal bond or a 15-year Qualified School Construction Bond, according to Rice. The 25-year bond has a higher interest rate and longer payoff and lower pay- ments. The 15-year bond has lower interest rates and higher payments.

“We have every intention to, if the bond passes, pay the note off before its due date,” Rice said.

The district’s previous construction project -- a cafetorium and stage complex -- was paid off in four and a half years.

A 28-cent tax hike would translate into a $23 per month increase, or $280 more per year on a home valued at $100,000. For those 65 or over, tax rates will remain frozen until an ownership transfer, by sale or inheritance.

Tax rates have been $1.04 per $100 valuation for three years. They dropped from $1.45 when the state required school tax rates to be dropped by one-third.