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UCAD OKs additional appraiser


New budget increases by $104K

Melissa Federspill
Staff writer
The board of directors of the Uvalde County appraisal district adopted the 2020 budget on Tuesday evening, approving an 8.83 percent increase over last year’s $1,174,983 budget total.
Chief appraiser Roberto Valdez said the bulk of the increase is due to the need for an additional appraiser, which increases the district’s payroll expenses.
“We need an additional appraiser so we have enough staff to do inspections,” said Valdez.
The district has struggled annually to meet the state’s requirements for agricultural exemption inspections.
The position is to be paid at an entry level rate of $29,870.
This year’s $1,278,734 budget total also allows for a 3-percent cost of living increase for district employees.
The budget was adopted following a sparsely attended public hearing. Valdez said all of the taxing entities were given notice of the budget hearing.
He noted the district held an informal budget meeting with individuals representing the taxing entities on June 20, where the appraisal district detailed budgetary items.
Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Superintendent Hal Harrell spoke briefly, stating that he had met previously with Valdez and felt comfortable about this year’s budget.
“I have met a couple times with Roberto, once at a board meeting and once in the office,” said Harrell. “I feel like they have done an excellent job, and I appreciate the communication.”
Prior to the budget hearing, the board heard the appraisal and collection report, protest numbers, and accepted the resignation of board member Hector Luevano.
The 2018 annual financial records audit was also presented by Ede and Company.

District Collections
The collection total for the 2018 tax levy is $38,732,349. The collection figure represents a collection rate of 94.8 percent, which is standard to the prior years, according to Valdez.
Overall collections for all years as of July 1 is $40,675,809.
He also said that as of July 1, the 2017 delinquent tax roll totals are down to $816,152, out of $2.1 million originally turned over to the Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott law firm for collection.
“I am happy to report that Perdue has done a good job,” said Valdez.
For the 2018 delinquent tax roll, $2,125,000 is being turned over for collection.
The 2018 financial audit revealed a prior year surplus fund of $142,000 which is to be distributed back to each of the district’s taxing entities. The board approved the allocation of the surplus funds audited to reduce the 2020 budget per each entity accordingly.
For the 2019 tax year, the district has received 1,400 protest cases to process.
“We still have about 40 percent still open,” said Valdez. He also noted that protests have gone down significantly in the last few years. The busiest year for the district was in 2016, when they received 1,750 protests.

Resignation
The board accepted the resignation of secretary Hector Luevano.
Luevano joined the board in 2017. Board president Blaine Bennett said that Luevano works out of town, and it is the best move for him and the entity.
Valdez said the notice of vacancy will be mailed to the district’s taxing entities, asking them to submit nominations. The election will take place at a later date.
The board will not meet in August.

mfederspill@ulnnow.com, 830-278-3335

The front of the Uvalde County Appraisal District building, located at 209 N. High St.

The front of the Uvalde County Appraisal District building, located at 209 N. High St.

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