TAD announced Blaylock’s resignation in a news release Nov. 11, stating it was effective Nov. 10.
Blaylock, when reached for comment, said he will serve until his spot is replaced.
The details
Blaylock is currently in his second term on the TAD board and won a three-year term late last year. With two years remaining in Blaylock's term, TAD board Chair Rick Barnes said the taxing entities will have 45 days to select a replacement for Blaylock, who is also a Fort Worth City Council member representing District 10.
Barnes said in the Nov. 12 board meeting that a special meeting will be called either Dec. 30 or Dec. 31 to announce Blaylock’s successor.
What’s happening?
Blaylock's resignation letter said he was stepping down due to a change in the demands of his time and is unable to devote his full attention to the position.
He released his plan to run for Texas House District 93 on Oct. 27. That role was previously held by Nate Schatzline, who announced on Oct. 27 that he will join President Donald Trump’s National Faith Advisory Board.
Blaylock’s term on the Fort Worth City Council runs through 2027. He said his resignation there will not be official until after the May election, or June, in case of a runoff.
In their own words
“It's been a genuine pleasure to serve the taxpayer on this board,” Blaylock said during the Nov. 12 meeting. “We've gone through some very challenging times with the hacking issue, the ransomware issue, the CAMA [software] conversion that's going on. It's not been a dull moment once since I started, but I think we've done a lot of good things. I'm excited for this board. I'm excited for the way they work together and how they're going to continue. I'm also quite excited for my new opportunity in Austin, so I'm hopeful that I make it there. Rick, thank you. Everybody on the board, thank you so much for being good friends, good board members and just working so hard to make things better for everybody.”
What’s next
Each taxing entity—made up of school districts, cities, towns, the county and Tarrant Community College—will be allowed to nominate one candidate to fill the vacancy, according to the TAD website. The 45-day deadline falls on Dec. 25, so the deadline will be extended to 11:59 p.m. Dec. 26 to submit to Chief Appraiser Joe Don Bobbitt.
Blaylock’s current TAD term runs through Dec. 31, 2027.
This appointment process is separate from the ongoing regular election, which has two spots open this year, currently held by Mike Alfred and Wendy Burgess.
Also on the agenda
Barnes provided an update on the 2024 election that had incorrect numbers due to a typo.
During a special meeting held Nov. 3, the error was discussed, and Bobbitt took responsibility for the mistake, according to previous reporting.
The board voted to hire a third-party investigator to look into the mistake, which gave more votes to Tarrant County College than it should’ve had based on taxable value.
“We’re continuing that investigation and moving forward,” Barnes said.
He said a report will be presented with the outcome during a special meeting Dec. 1.
