SATX-NEM: Impact 10/30/2025

A state reimbursement to Judson ISD has decreased the district’s 2025-26 school year shortfall.

At the Oct. 16 meeting of the JISD board of trustees, Chief Financial Officer Tony Kingman said that an audit of the state’s 2024 property value study added $1.75 million to district revenue.

In total, the JISD shortfall sits at $27.57 million, according to board documents.

How it works: According to the Office of the Texas Comptroller, a school district property value study is conducted once every two years to determine a district’s total taxable value.

This ensures equitable distribution of education funding, according to the comptroller’s office. Districts with less taxable property value per student receives more state dollars for each pupil than districts with more value per student.

• Crust Pizza Co. at 813 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 170
• Zen Bubble at 2451 FM 1103, Ste. 137
• Top Tier Hair & Beauty Supply at 2451 FM 1103, Ste. 141
• Grampie’s Pizzeria at 121 Cibolo Commons, Ste. 101
• Puppy Kisses Pawlor at 121 Cibolo Commons, Ste. 117

A local home improvement and woodworking company has expanded into New Braunfels, offering individualized projects to residents.

The details: Royal Custom Finishes launched its services in New Braunfels in late September, Owners Brianna Guerra and John Torres said.

Specializing mainly in woodworking projects, the local contractor has a focus on interior and exterior finishes, painting and staining.

Guerra said the company first started in San Antonio and has made its way up the I-35 corridor.

A closer look: Specific services include the following, according to the company's Facebook page:

• Interior and exterior painting projects
• Cabinet finishes
• Accent walls, including wood paneling

• Serving the New Braunfels area

Texas homeowners could see larger property tax breaks on this year’s bills if voters approve two state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The details: Proposition 13 would raise the property tax exemption on a Texas homeowner’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. Proposition 11 would give homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability a $200,000 exemption.

The exemptions would apply only to taxes charged by public schools.

The impact: Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the Houston Republican who authored the legislation, estimated in June that the average Texas homeowner would see about $484 in annual savings if the tax cuts are approved by voters, with roughly $950 in savings for seniors and people with disabilities. These estimates do not account for potential tax rate increases by local governments.

If voters approve the two ballot measures, the cuts will take effect for the current tax year and appear on homeowners’ upcoming tax bills, according to the Texas House Research Organization.