Commissioner Dianne Edmondson
After weeks of committee hearings and leadership squabbles, a second special session called by Governor Abbott specifically to address Property Tax Relief was finally successful. On July 13, 2023, SB2 was passed by the Texas Senate after having already cleared the Texas House and was sent to the governor for signature. Governor Abbott is expected to sign the bill, which promises to lower school district taxes and also provides an increased homestead exemption of $100,000. A companion bill, SB3, gives franchise tax relief to many small business owners. These bills on property taxes must be accepted by the Texas voters, as they require a change to the Texas Constitution. That election will be in the Nov. 7, 2023, General Election. Here at Robson Ranch, both early voting and election day voting will be held at the clubhouse.
Both the legislators for Robson Ranch (Sen. Tan Parker and Rep. Lynn Stucky) were instrumental in the “sausage making” required in getting these bills passed, so we should express our thanks when we see them! In fact, there will be a special event on Thursday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the clubhouse to celebrate this huge tax cut, so please plan to attend.
For our seniors here at the Ranch, many of us are already enjoying lower taxes thanks to the tax caps from the county, city, and school district. But this new property tax bill also is certain to further reduce our property taxes, though it’s not yet clear how much or exactly how the process will work. Later this year, probably in September, the Chief Appraiser of the Denton Central Appraiser District (DCAD) will come to the Ranch and explain the ins and outs of the legislation and how it will affect each of us. Watch the HOA announcements for details.
The cap on how much property values may increase for DCAD appraisals remains in effect at 10% annually. And while the school district tax rates are actually set by the Texas Education Agency (based on average number of students and other factors), their ISD tax rates will be compressed (lowered) with the state increasing its public school funding to make up the difference. And, consequently, we taxpayers will have less taxes to pay!
Another interesting twist in SB2 is the way the board of directors for DCAD is selected. Currently, five members are “elected” by the various taxing entities in Denton County, including ISDs, cities, towns, etc., who each have voting strength in proportion to the tax dollars they levy. Thus, large entities such as Lewisville and Denton ISDs have many more votes than, for instance, the Ponder ISD or the Town of Ponder itself. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, three additional board members will be elected by the public in the May Municipal Elections. More information on qualifications, etc., for these unpaid positions will be forthcoming, so if you are interested in running for one of those three spots, let me know and I will be sure to get you filing information as soon as I have it.
In the meantime, you may want to consider some of the part-time paid positions, which will soon become available for the DCAD Appraisal Appeals Board. These are the people who received thorough training and then meet with folks who are appealing their property’s DCAD appraised value. Again, let me know if you are interested in learning more about these paid positions, and I can connect you with the appropriate DCAD staff.
Shortly, the property tax process will become more inclusive for almost anyone who would like to be involved. So, stay tuned, and let’s get ready for lower property taxes!