The Board of Directors of the McLennan County Appraisal District (MCAD) is composed of 5 members. All five are elected every two years. They are elected by the taxing entities. (County, City, School Districts, Community College)
Taxpayers need a change on the Board. Here are some reasons:
1. During the current term, MCAD had lost three significant lawsuits. The estimated cost to taxpayers is $1,000,000.00. All three should have been resolved out of court but the District drug them out as long as possible. That led Chief Appraiser Andrew J. Hahn to report "extraordinary" legal expenses of $225,000.00 for the current year.
2. At a recent meeting, held 11/12/13, the board voted to extend the contract of the Chief Appraiser for three years. A provision in the contract provides that he can not be paid any less than his current compensation. There is a good possibility some of the current board members will be replaced in January and they voted to extend the contract not only beyond their term of office but also beyond the term of office of the people taking office in January.
3. The ballot for this election was sent via e-mail to more than 30 people. The e-mail was requested under the Texas Public Information Act. MCAD refused to release the e-mail. MCAD hired an attorney to ask the Attorney General if they could withhold the e-mail. A request was filed with the recipients of the e-mail and they furnished the requested e-mail while MCAD spends taxpayer money on an attorney to block access.
3. The ballot for this election was sent via e-mail to more than 30 people. The e-mail was requested under the Texas Public Information Act. MCAD refused to release the e-mail. MCAD hired an attorney to ask the Attorney General if they could withhold the e-mail. A request was filed with the recipients of the e-mail and they furnished the requested e-mail while MCAD spends taxpayer money on an attorney to block access.
4. There is a statement on the sign-up sheet for the Board Meeting of MCAD. It reads "The McLennan County Appraisal District highly values the input of citizens in making important decisions that affect the District." On the agenda, public comments is item 15, AFTER they have taken care of all the business. Having attended several board meetings, I can assure you "citizen input" is not appreciated and dang sure not solicited.
What can you do?
Attend one of the meetings where they are going to vote. Tell them three strikes on the lawsuits is unacceptable. Tell them you think extending the contract for the Chief Appraiser beyond their own term is unacceptable and voting to extend it beyond the term of office of those to be elected is even worse. Tell them you think transparency is important and committing resources to block transparency is unacceptable. Remind them unchecked power is the path to corruption and they are the check and balance.
November 18th 2013
China Spring School Board Meeting 6:00 Voted 11/28/2013
Connally School Board Meeting 6:30
Connally School Board Meeting 6:30
November 19th
