The Riviera Independent School District showed a dramatic decrease this year in estimated taxable values which could impact the outcome of the district’s $18.5 million bond election Saturday.

However, Riviera Superintendent Ernest Havner was more optimistic.

“This information is critical to our school district, but it is too early as to how it will affect the bond,” Havner said yesterday in reference to the estimated tax valuations.

The estimated 2010 gross value for Riviera ISD is $583.3 million. The 2009 final value was $685.8 million for a decrease of $102.5 million, attributed mostly to mineral, oil and gas values.

However, after all exemptions and adjustments are calculated, the 2010 adjusted taxable value for the district is $232.1 million for 2010 compared to the 2009 final figure of $328.5 million for a decrease of $96.4 million from this year.

The Riviera ISD bond election calls for voters to decide whether they are “for or against” two propositions.

After the Riviera school board voted to call the bond election, they were advised to also place a proposition on the ballot that would raise the cap on the tax rate if property values fell.

Proposition 1 if approved by the voters would allow the school district to raise the usual maintenance cap at a rate not to exceed $1.50 per $100 valuation of taxable property in the district.

Proposition 2 deals with the issuance of $18,500,000 bonds to construct, acquire and equip school buildings, and levying the tax in payment thereof.

Kingsville Independent School District estimated 2010 total gross property values show an increase from the 2009 final values.

The 2010 estimated values of $917.1 million compared to the 2009 final values of $911.7 million for a $5.3 million increase.

The KISD adjustable taxable after adjustments and exemptions is estimated at $663.7 million compared to final values of $662.13 million in 2009 for an increase this year of $1.5 million.

“Although, it is too soon to make a prediction on the final tax values, it does looking promising for the taxpayers of Kingsville,” said Emilio Castro, KISD superintendent.

The proposition for the KISD election will let voters decide whether they are “for or against” a $40 million bonds for the construction a new high school.

The bond issue will be subject to 43 percent funding from the state.