The Appraisal District Board of Directors Role in the Property Tax System
The Texas property tax system follows the principle of checks and balances. The Appraisal District Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the District operates efficiently and in compliance with state law. The Board’s authority is limited to those powers granted under Chapter 6 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
The Board of Directors hires the Chief Appraiser, adopts the District’s annual budget, contracts for necessary services, makes general policy regarding the operation of the District, and appoints members of the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), subject to approval by the local administrative district judge as provided by Section 6.41 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
The Board of Directors has no authority to set appraisal values, determine appraisal methods, or influence the outcome of specific property appraisals. The Chief Appraiser carries out the appraisal district’s statutory duties, manages the staff, conducts appraisals, and administers the daily operations of the appraisal office in accordance with the Texas Property Tax Code and professional appraisal standards.
Board Meetings
All meetings of the Board of Directors are conducted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 551). Meeting notices and agendas are posted as required by law.
At each regularly scheduled meeting (second Wednesday each month), the Chairman of the Board will welcome visitors and allow up to five (5) minutes for each visitor to address the Board. Individuals wishing to address the Board are requested to sign in and identify the topic or agenda item they wish to discuss.
Chief Appraiser Delegation and Property Owner Concerns
The Chief Appraiser may delegate authority to District employees as necessary to efficiently administer appraisal functions. The Chief Appraiser and staff are responsible for appraising all taxable property within the District in accordance with the Property Tax Code.
Property owners with questions or concerns about their property’s appraisal should first contact the Appraisal District staff. Concerns that cannot be resolved at the staff level may be addressed through the formal protest process before the Appraisal Review Board as provided under Section 41.41 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
Public Access to the Board of Directors
It is the policy of the Board of Directors to provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to address the Board concerning the policies and procedures of the Appraisal District and any other matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. The Board’s statutory duties and responsibilities include:
- Adopting the Appraisal District’s annual budget
- Contracting for necessary services
- Hiring the Chief Appraiser and assigning responsibilities to the position
- Making general policy regarding the operation of the District
The Board encourages open communication and public participation consistent with its limited statutory authority and responsibilities under the Texas Property Tax Code.
| Board Member | Title |
|---|---|
| Z T Burkett | Chairman |
| Ben Wilson | Secretary |
| Mike Sipes | |
| Kyle Hinson | |
| Jeff Dickinson |