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In a significant shift, Texas voters are now directly involved in selecting individuals who will oversee the property tax appraisal process. Previously, these appraisal boards consisted of an elected county tax assessor-collector and members appointed by taxing units such as cities, counties, and school districts. However, a new state law passed in 2023 has restructured the appraisal districts, establishing nine members including the tax assessor, five appointed members, and three elected non-partisan members serving four-year terms.
It’s crucial to note that while the appraisal boards don’t set property values themselves, they supervise the employees responsible for the appraisal process. By state law, appraisal districts are mandated to appraise properties at their full market value, and all taxing units in the county must utilize these appraisals for tax collection purposes.
In the recent elections for the Dallas Central Appraisal Board, candidates Kendall Scudder and Alexandra Stewart ran unopposed for Places 2 and 3 respectively. However, in Place 1, Ekambar Kumar Singirikonda contested against P. Wylie Burge. With 52% of the vote counted, Burge led with 68%, totaling 35,528 votes, while Singirikonda garnered 32% with 16,348 votes.
Meanwhile, in Tarrant County, all three places were contested. For Place 1, candidates Sayeda Bilqees Syed, Trae Fowler, and Eric Morris vied for the position. Place 2 saw contenders Caallie Rigney and Eric B. Crile, while Place 3 featured Chuck Kelley, Lee Henderson, and Matt Bryant. To win outright, a candidate needed to secure more than 50% of the vote, otherwise, a runoff would be necessary.