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Interim Charges - Property Appraisals |
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Friday, 30 November 2007 |
I have asked the House Local Ways and Means Committee to study systems to improve transparency and accountability in the county appraisal process. We will comprehensively review all aspects of the county appraisal process and leave no stone unturned. Taxpayers deserve better accountability and transparency in the process of how their dollars are taxed. It is my hope that these interim charges will shed some light on how we can find some lasting solutions that strike a balance between stronger taxpayer protection and the ability of local governments to collect necessary revenue.
One charge will be to review the way local governments communicate potential tax rate increases and explore the possibility of requiring two public hearings on these increases. Under current law, only one public hearing is required. Another charge will examine the entire system for appraising property for property tax purposes. Studies will examine the effects of recent legislation on the appraisal process, review the system for choosing the Central Appraisal District Board of Directors, look into ways to limit the authority of the chief appraiser, provide better state oversight of appraisal districts, improve appraisal district efficiency, transparency and services, and reform the property valuation appeal system.
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