What does “Property Tax Relief” REALLY Mean to YOU?
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 January 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, some of you may want to consider some of the part-time paid
positions that will soon become available for the DCAD Appraisal Appeals Board.
These are the people who receive 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!
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, the Texas Senate passed SB2. It had already cleared
the Texas House, and has been 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 November
7, 2023, General Election with early voting from October 23 through November 3.
Many seniors around the county are already enjoying lower taxes thanks to tax
caps from the county, some cities, and school districts. But this new property tax
bill is certain to further reduce senior property taxes, though it’s not yet clear how
much or exactly how the process will work. We are told by the Chief Appraiser of
the Denton Central Appraiser District (DCAD) that those details are being worked
out now, so we should know more by fall.
The cap on how much homesteaded property values may increase for DCAD
appraisals remains 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!
All the Denton County legislators supported this huge tax cut, with our Senators
Tan Parker and Drew Springer co-authoring the bill in the Senate, and each of our
five House members co-sponsoring in that Chamber. Our legislators (House
members Lynn Stucky, Jared Patterson, Kronda Thimesch, Ben Bumgardner, and
Richard Hayes) all were instrumental in the “sausage making” required in getting
these bills passed, so we should express our thanks when we see them!
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 January 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, some of you may want to consider some of the part-time paid
positions that will soon become available for the DCAD Appraisal Appeals Board.
These are the people who receive 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!
