Taxpayer Liaison Officer

Gary Whittle

Who Appoints the TLO?
The TLO is appointed by the Board of Directors (Board) of the Somervell Central Appraisal District (SCAD) and serves at the pleasure of the Board.

Duties of the TLO
The TLO administers certain public access functions required by the Tax Code and is responsible for reviewing and responding to complaints that do not involve matters that may be protested under Section 41.41 of the Tax Code.
The TLO receives, compiles and forwards complaints, comments and suggestions
concerning ARB matters to the Comptroller’s office; along with delivering ARB applications received and providing clerical assistance to the local administrative district judge as part of the ARB selection process.

What happens to complaints?
The TLO reports to the Board on the status of all complaints filed with the Board at each meeting.

Additional Duties of the TLO
If a property owner wishes to address the Board, but does not speak English or Spanish and cannot bring their own interpreter, please notify the TLO in writing at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. Arrangements will be made for an interpreter. If you have some handicap or disability that may prevent you from speaking to the Board, please notify the TLO in writing at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are unable to notify the TLO within seven days the district will attempt to make appropriate arrangements.

Who sets appraisal values?

The Board cannot, by law, be involved in setting appraisal values. That is the job of the SCAD staff who derive property values based on actual sales following nationwide appraisal standards.

What if a property owner disagrees with the appraisal?
The steps used for a disagreement are as follows:

1. Informal discussion with the SCAD staff.
2. Formal protest hearing with the Appraisal Review Board.
3. An appeal to an independent arbitrator appointed by the Texas Comptroller.
4. An appeal to a State District Court.

Who Sets the tax rates?
The tax rates are set by the taxing entities governing bodies. The SCAD does not set rates.

Contact:
Gary Whittle
Taxpayer Liaison Officer
Somervell Central Appraisal District
972-743-2926