Reader Responses

I received a notice from the Smith County Appraisal District concerning an increase in my property evaluation.

Let me first say I have never complained to the district, the reason being I taught school for 39 years and my salary was paid by taxes.

When I went to the Appraisal District the lady on the front desk was very polite and carried me to the proper place to speak to someone. I was then assigned a lady who also was very polite and listened to my concerns.

The first part of our talk dealt with what I thought the property was worth. I told her immediately I would not take the amount for the property it was appraised for because I built a home on the property 51 years ago and was born on the property in 1922. That was not my reason for being there.

A notice mailed to me showed a 62.9 percent increase in the value in 12 months. She began to pull out copies of other lots, none of which showed that kind of increase. Her remark was, "I was not listening." I felt she was not listening. All I wanted was an explanation for the large increase so I asked for an appointment with the board.

I knew my property was exempt and I knew my taxes would not be increased before I went. I was only concerned about a 62.9 percent increase being on record.