A More Responsive Appraisal District?

By Robert Bruce, Bexar County Appraisal District Board of Directors, Place 3

At the last special session of the Texas Legislature, responding to years of taxpayer
complaints about the ways of State created Appraisal Districts, an amendment was passed adding
three new elected officials to the Board of Directors. This took effect in counties with a
population of more than 75,000, which totals 50 in Texas, creating 150 new, elected Board
members.

With the additional 3 new “elected” board members, we the taxpayers now have a direct
voice in how the appraisal district is run, and now it treats you. In the upcoming Board of
Directors’ Meeting on Aug. 20th we have asked that concerns voiced in our campaigns and cures
that have already been attempted at Tarrant County be put on the agenda.

At their first meeting last month Tarrant County Appraisal Board adopted a once every two year
appraisal process, giving the taxpayer a rest next year. This rises from the common complaint “I
protested this last year, why did you raise it again this year?” Dealing with this item is on the
table. For me, I’ll push for no re-appraisal in the year after a settlement agreement. Pushback
from the lawyers is that the State requires determination of market value every year. In the same
tax code it also says it must be conducted a minimum of once every 3 years. So which is it?
We’ll be addressing that with vigor, but you see it takes us back to the legislature, which is where
most of the enduring cures will come.

Tarrant County also pressed for a 5% limit on any increase in residential property. The
State currently has it set at 10%. But the law also demands “clear and convincing evidence”
before any increase in value. Now it comes back to the Board and appraisers and how that job is
being done. This too is on the table for the upcoming new year appraisal plan.
These changes are meant to give you relief!! Can we get your support? We would
welcome every citizen that was concerned about this problem to come down to show your
support for these changes by signing up to speak at our next Board of Director’s Meeting which
will be:
Tuesday, Aug. 20 th @ 2pm. Where: 411 Frio St. (Bexar County Appraisal District Bldg.
To sign up to speak, send an email indicating this to: bod@bcad.org.
Then on day of meeting, sign in when you arrive.
 If you have any questions, do email InfuseSA Now at: info@infusesa.org
Hope to see you there.