AISD considers free port taxes
Appraisal chief says Alto may choose to keep old system
BY LELAND ACKER

Taxes, bonds and finances were the main topics at the Nov. 19 regularly scheduled meeting of the Alto ISD Board of Trustees.

Lee Flowers of the Cherokee County Appraisal District addressed the board concerning free port taxes. Free port taxes involve assessing the inventory of items and equipment in appraisals of commercial property. Mr. Flowers explained changes to free port taxing practices are coming as a result of recent legislation, but the board could elect to keep the current tax structure if they held a public forum and voted to do so.

The advantage to keeping the current structure is that the school district would be able to collect more money in taxes.

"The local businessmen are taxed enough," said Boardmember Greg Duplichain. "It's hard enough on them."

"I agree!" said Boardmember Britton Tilley. "The people who sent this out, I don't think they really knew what was happening. Will they know what it is for sure?"

"That's a good question," Mr. Flowers said, explaining that if the board took no action, more property would qualify for free port exemptions.

Greg Duplichain made a motion to table the issue, "period." Mr. Tilley seconded the motion and it passed 6-0.

Mr. Flowers explained to the board that Alto ISD would have to refund some tax money to AT&T due to a recent settlement of a lawsuit between the appraisal district and AT&T involving the appraisal of cell phone towers. The refund is a result of AT&T being taxed for antennas they had sold to Cellular One.

The value has been reappraised and Cellular One will be taxed for the antennas they own. The board approved the refund by a 6-0 vote.

Dr. Ray DeSpain, Alto ISD superintendent, explained to the board that he always looks for additional sources of funding for the school district. He found one in a broadband radio license which had been issued to the school district in the 1980s which has been dormant ever since.

Dr. DeSpain said Alto ISD has two channels, which the school will be able to lease to Independent Spectrum LLC for non-refundable upfront payments of $91,000 for the larger channel and $29,000 for the smaller channel. A monthly royalty would follow. The board approved the measure with a 6-0 vote.

The board also heard reports from the school principals and canvassed bond election results. All board members were present for the meeting.