Mayor Steve Adler announced the city of Austin will file its appeal in district court Aug. 24 regarding Travis County commercial property appraisals. Following a report that indicated residential properties bear an unfair portion of the county's tax burden, Austin City Council members voted May 28 to challenge how property taxes are appraised in Travis County. Adler said the city is filing the lawsuit "to ensure our property tax system is fair and is fair for everyone." The lawsuit requires the city of Austin to sue the Travis Central Appraisal District; however, Adler said the two entities are not enemies in this situation. "We do not see this action as an adversarial proceeding," he said. "We both care about our community and we are joining together to see if this district court action is a tool that can be used constructively in the pursuit of fairness." Adler spoke highly of Travis Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Marya Crigler. He said her work and the work of her staff is some of the best in the state given the flawed system within which they must work. "Her ad volerum tax conclusions may very well be that they could possibly be given the limitations that are imposed by our state laws that result in restricted procedures and limited data" Adler said. "Our appraisal district does a terrific job, but it is a job they are required to do with one hand tied behind their back." Crigler said she has long advocated for appraisers to have full sales disclosure information. She said she hopes the lawsuit will result in more help for her and fellow appraisers throughout the state. "Taxpayers, taxing units and the appraisal district have a unified interest that property appraisals accurately reflect market value," Crigler said. "I firmly believe that we're one of the best appraisal districts in the state, but I'm always looking for opportunities to do better." There were concerns from other cities and entities that the Travis County tax roll may not be certified in a timely manner due to Austin's legal proceedings. Crigler is set to certify the county tax rolls shortly before the lawsuit is filed Aug. 24, Adler said.