Texas property owners are being faced with out-of-control property value appraisals and related tax increases. Whether you're a new homeowner or a senior, we are all at risk for literally being overvalued and taxed right out of our homes and businesses. But where do you move to escape, as this is happening all over the state?

Every year, many of our property values go up without true basis, often by double digit percentages. There is a convenient handshake between the appraisal districts and the taxing entities in your county. Appraisal Board of Director members are appointed by the taxing units for which the Appraisal District provides appraisal data for the tax rates: e.g., cities, school districts, utility districts, special districts, and the county. The Appraisal Board of Directors in turn decide who the Chief Appraiser will be - these are not publicly elected positions so they do not answer to you. And in many cases, a review of public record property values show that a significant portion of the appraisal district management and staff have enjoyed very low or no appraisal increases (even reductions) while the general public sees skyrocketing increases. We are long past a need for significant change and true accountability.

Our Mission Statements:

• Appraisal Board of Directors and Chief Appraiser positions should be publicly elected and not privately appointed.
• Appraisal District key management personal property appraisals for the past 3 years should be audited to ensure accountability and corrected if necessary to match their area comparable properties.
• The maximum amount of any ad valorem tax on real property shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the full market value of such property, and any appraisal and/or tax changes should account for inflation or devalued property accordingly.
• Prohibit reassessment of a new base year value except in cases of change in ownership, or completion of new construction.
• Realistically evaluate current market trends and adjust appraisals related to actual sale data, NOT the convoluted "Equity" data sheet that essentially works from the bottom up.
• Revise the property owner protest process to a more clearly defined and reasonable path, and eliminate onerous costs for a singular appeal past the ARB hearing level.

Several of these goals follow California's Proposition 13 which was passed in 1978, so they are not unrealistic. By signing this petition, together we can put our elected officials on notice. This petition - including comments - will be presented to our lawmakers by the next Legislative Session so they can hear directly from all of us. Change is not an overnight thing, especially when you're trying to change momentum, but if you do nothing then you get nothing.

This petition is seeking your support and is NOT soliciting you for funds, unlike the taxing and appraisal districts that want to take that last dime. Please share this as much as you can.

Thank you.

Nov 1, 2022 - every few weeks, this date will be changed to assure you that this petition is not simply out floating in cyberspace. It will be updated as needed and will be put forth to our elected representatives prior to the next legislative session. It's their job to reflect their constituents, lets reinforce this.

NOTE! This petition will close by January 2023 to be sent to all applicable local and state representatives.