The reappraisal of properties damaged during Hurricane Harvey was approved by the Magnolia ISD board of trustees during a Nov. 13 meeting. This move could provide some relief to homeowners who saw significant damage to their homes, as the tax bills are adjusted based on a possible lower appraised value, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris said.

“We’re very lucky that a minimal number of properties have been affected within our district, but we do feel like it’s the right thing,” he said.

The resolution to authorize property reappraisals falls in line with that of Montgomery County and other nearby schools districts, like Conroe ISD, which authorized property reappraisals earlier this fall. As of press time, the Tomball ISD board of trustees has not authorized property reappraisals.

Morris said taxing entities within a disaster declaration area can authorize the reappraisal of properties. Montgomery County was among the counties declared a disaster by Gov. Greg Abbott during Hurricane Harvey, which hit the region in late August and dropped about 30 inches of rain in four days in the Magnolia area.

Morris said he estimates the cost of reappraising flooded properties—including processing fees and the likely dip in tax revenue to the district—will total less than $60,000.

“It’ll make a difference to those few homeowners,” Superintendent Todd Stephens said.

CISD is expected to see a total tax revenue decrease of about $1.07 million for fiscal year 2017-18with additional expenses for appraisal fees, CISD Chief Financial Officer Darrin Rice said. Its board of trustees adopted a resolution for the reappraisal of properties in October.

Additional reporting By Beth Marshall