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Wilson County property owners file 7,644 tax protestsFree Access

Realtor may file lawsuit against Wilson County Appraisal District



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Property-tax appraisal protests continue in Wilson County, as the July 20 deadline approaches for the Wilson County Appraisal District to present certified tax rolls to the county’s taxing entities.

As the deadline approaches, Wilson County realtor Chris Jacobs continues to gather information to sue the appraisal district over the “wildly inaccurate” assessments thousands of property owners are protesting. Many taxpayers — some on fixed incomes — could face crippling tax bills if their assessed values stand.

As of July 12, more than 1,000 appraisal review board (ARB) hearings had yet to take place. The appraisal district has received a whopping total of 7,644 protests filed this year, including 182 that followed mineral notices being sent to property owners; the deadline to file those was June 18, according to Beka Lerich, director of operations for the Wilson County Appraisal District.

Property owners can discuss their appraised values with an appraiser; they can choose to settle their protest informally, or have a hearing with the ARB. There are still 2,188 protests that have yet to be scheduled for ARB hearings, Lerich said.

Here’s where things stood as of Monday:

•Protests filed — 7,644

•Settled informally — 1,916

•ARB hearings held — 2,519

•Scheduled for ARB — 1,021 (total hearings scheduled July 12-20)

•ARB hearings not scheduled yet — 2,188.

Hearings are scheduled through July 20, Lerich said. “Hearings for the remaining 2,188 accounts under protest will resume being scheduled in August.”

Property owners may visit the appraisal district office on Railroad Street in Floresville during business hours with their evidence and discuss their property informally one-on-one with an appraiser. Appointments are not required and face coverings are optional.

“As far as evidence to bring in, pictures, pictures, pictures!” Lerich encouraged.

Those who filed protests online can upload their evidence to their online protest for review.

Those who have questions or want to check the status of their protests can contact the appraisal district:

•Call 830-393-3065

•Email wilsoncad@yahoo.com, if unable to call during business hours.

Appraisal lawsuit?

La Vernia-area realtor Chris Jacobs told the Wilson County News he continues to look into a lawsuit against the Wilson County Appraisal District regarding county property appraisals.

“I’ve never seen such wildly inaccurate assessments,” Jacobs said. “I have met with licensed appraisers and they have no clue how these numbers are justified. … You can’t compare Stockdale rural properties to residential lots. You can’t compare Pullman Road land to Cibolo Ridge lots.”

Jacobs has two attorneys looking into a potential lawsuit, and is consulting with another attorney who specializes in pursuing government entities. He has filed a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation against appraiser Ronnie Rebecek.

Military veteran Jacobs has been assisting county property owners with their protests, providing comparable values and other support.

“We have had wildly successful ARB hearings,” Jacobs said. “Several realtors and taxpayers have seen 30-percent to 50-percent reductions in valuations.

“This cements to me that this was done poorly.”

nkilbey-smith@wcn-online.com