It’s the first time Tarrant County residents will be able to vote for representatives on the Tarrant Appraisal District board of directors during the May 4 election.
Senate Bill 2 went into effect this year, requiring counties with a population over 75,000 to have their boards of directors increased by three members, who will be elected by voters to staggered four-year terms, the bill says.
The candidates who filed for a place on the ballot in the Place 2 board position are Callie Rigney and Eric B. Crile.
Candidates were asked to answer the questions provided in 50 words or less and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
Callie Rigney
Experience:
Colleyville mayor pro tem / City Council, 2018-current / TIF board / CCCPD board / CEDC board
Occupation:
Homemaker
Candidate Website:
https://www.votecallierigney.com
Contact Information:
682-651-5495
Why are you running for office?
I’m running to represent the best interests of the taxpayers just as I have for the citizens of Colleyville. I voted to adopt the no new revenue rate five years in a row. This fiscal year, I’m proud to say that Colleyville has the lowest tax rate in Tarrant County!
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Appraisal District?
The software that TAD has doesn’t have uniform and equal appraisals; this becomes burdensome to property owners. To restore public confidence in TAD, people need to feel heard during the appeals process.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I plan to work with other TAD board members to provide governance and oversight to implement the changes needed at the Tarrant Appraisal District.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
I will work to improve TAD software, ensure property owners are heard during the appeals process, and I’ll be accessible to the people to continue to move TAD in a positive direction.
Eric B. Crile
Experience:
Property owner. Taxpayer. Community HOA board member.
Occupation:
Firefighter/paramedic
Candidate Website:
https://www.facebook.com/crilefortad
Contact Information:
940-597-8875
Why are you running for office?
I have never been able to understand how the taxing entities that determine our property taxes, school districts, cities, counties, etc., get to control who is placed on the board of directors for the agency responsible for valuing property for tax purposes. This position will answer to the voters.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Tarrant Appraisal District?
Trust and transparency. This seems to be a common theme for TAD on many levels. However, to the point, people must be able to trust the valuation the district is assigning to their property. And the district must be transparent with owners as to how they arrived at that valuation.
How do you plan to address these issues?
The software the district uses, Aumentum, has been a disaster from the start. I believe it was never properly implemented. The new website for protesting property value which went live last year also had major issues at launch. I would start with a review and audit of the IT department.
What would your top priorities be if you are elected?
The time is ripe for new software. There is a new chief appraiser. A perfect opportunity for him and the board to explore a transition. A thorough review and audit of the IT department. Finally, get TAD out of the news and back to the business of fair property valuation.
