Public Access Policies:

Pursuant to section 6.04, the San Jacinto County Board of Directors have developed and implemented policies for the public on meetings and complaint resolution.  One of SJCAD’s goal is to maintain an open and property owner responsive organization.  The following policy was implemented to ensure each taxpayer of our taxing jurisdictions has access to the board and an established avenue to express concerns.

SJCAD Board Policy 110

Pursuant to section 6.04, Texas Property Tax Code, a reasonable period of time during the meeting of the appraisal district board of directors shall be provided for public comments on appraisal district and appraisal review board policies and procedures.  The period of time shall be determined at the discretion of the chairman of the board of directors at each meeting. 

Q: What does this statement mean?

A: Each board of directors meeting has an agenda which is posted at the Courthouse and Appraisal District at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Each meeting has a line item on the agenda for public comments and an attendant must sign in to speak before the meeting starts.  If you have any questions on when the next board meeting is, please contact the Appraisal District. (936-653-1450)

Policy 110 Cont.

Pursuant to section 6.04 Texas Property Tax Code, the following policies are adopted to provide public access to the board of directors for purposes of testimony at public meetings concerning appraisal district and appraisal review board policies and procedures, as well as any matter over which the board of directors has responsibility. 

1. Proposal or complaint should be presented to the chief appraiser.
2. Should the person bringing the proposal or complaint to the chief appraiser, and after conference, is still dissatisfied, he or she may request a hearing before the board of directors as a whole.  In this case, the proposal or complaint shall be presented tin writing to the chairman of the board or to the chief appraiser at least five (5) days prior to the regular board meeting date.  Such written request for audience with the board shall include a statement of the nature of the proposal or complaint and a list of the person or persons requesting to be placed on the agenda.
3. The chief appraiser will transmit copies of all correspondence concerning complaints to members of the board of directors.  The board o directors shall notify the parties to the complaint concerning its status on a quarterly basis until final disposition of the matter.
4. Any non-English speaking person, def person, or person who has any physical, mental, or developmental disability desiring to appear before the board must file a written request with the chief appraiser, who will schedule the person to present testimony at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.  The request should indicate any special assistance or arrangement required, making the presentation to the board possible.
5. The chief appraiser shall appoint at least one bilingual person in the county to serve as an interpreter.  an interpreter shall attend any meeting of the board of directors in which a non-English speaking person is scheduled to testify and shall be paid a per diem amount equal to that paid to a member of the appraisal review board.
6. The chief appraiser shall appoint an interpreter to attend any meeting of the directors in which a deaf person is scheduled to testify.  The interpreter shall be paid a per diem amount equal to that paid to a member of the appraisal review board.
7. The chief appraiser shall provide proper arrangements for public forums, to include the correct placement of microphones, sufficient area for wheelchairs and other mobility aides, and any other matter which would assist in improved access to the board of directors in a public hearing.
8. Meeting of the board of directors for which written notice has been given from persons requiring barrier free access shall be conducted in public buildings with barrier free access.  If no barrier free public buildings are available in the district, the chief appraiser shall make arrangements for temporary wheelchair ramps to be available, as well as other physical aides for persons with disabilities.

At the Appraisal District we are concerned with providing high quality customer service and fair and equal property valuation.  If an issue does arise, please notify the chief appraiser as soon as possible.

In addition to the Board of Director Policy, SJCAD has also implemented the following personnel procedure to ensure quality relations with the public.

STATEMENT OF PROCEDURE 114

Re: Complaints against ARB or Employees               

A taxpayer filing an unresolved complaint requiring action of the Board of Directors will be granted the opportunity to present his complaint to the Board in person. In order for a complaint to be placed as an action item on the Board’s agenda, adequate time must be given to allow the Chief Appraiser to investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve the situation and allowing proper time to comply with Section 551.000 et seq. of the Texas Government Code concerning the Open Meeting Act

The Chief Appraiser will research each complaint for all possible remedies. If the Chief Appraiser and the taxpayer are able to resolve the problem, the Chief Appraiser will then report the problem and its resolution in his or her informational report to the Board at their next regular scheduled meeting.

If the Chief Appraiser and the taxpayer are not able to resolve the problem, the Chief Appraiser will place the complaint as an action item on the agenda for the next regular scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors.

A taxpayer must further outline any special assistance or arrangements he or she will require in order to make his or her presentation to the Board, such as translators for non-English speaking or deaf persons, or special needs for a person having any physical, mental, or developmental disability.

If a taxpayer has impairment and cannot present his or her complaint in writing, the complaint will be recorded and will be played for the Board in lieu of the written complaint.

While a complaint is under investigation, the Chief Appraiser will report on the status of the complaint to both the taxpayer and the Board until the complaint is resolved and presented to the Board, unless notification would jeopardize an investigation

Questions/Comments

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about the above policy and procedure, please contact the Appraisal District.
San Jacinto County Appraisal District

PO Box 1170
Coldspring, TX 77331
936-653-1450