Overview

• A superintendent’s letter told homeowners they will see as much as a 75 percent increase on this year’s bill, with county notices expected in December.
• The district projects additional increases of about 32 percent in 2026 and 29 percent in 2027 to finish paying the obligation.
• Officials said $500,000 was paid from the general fund and $1 million from liability insurance, with the remainder to be financed through the sinking fund.
• The settlement stems from claims against former girls’ coach Ronald Gene Akins; he pleaded guilty in 2023 to 10 felonies and is serving a 15-year sentence followed by 25 years of probation.
• Residents in the town of fewer than 800 people describe significant financial strain, saying bills could nearly double and noting seniors’ frozen valuations do not shield them from higher rates.