ARB needs local volunteers

Port Aransas residents seem to be angry about property appraisal increases. Several protested property appraisal hikes to the Nueces County Appraisal Review Board. In response to citizen outrage, the city took the rare step of asking the review board to toss out an entire classification of appraisals, single-family housing.

But now, residents don't seem to be angry enough to do anything about it.

The Nueces County Appraisal Board reports it has received no applications from Port Aransas for a vacancy on the county's appraisal review board (ARB).

"The ARB is a group of citizens authorized by law to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the appraisal district," explained Vic Menard, taxpayer liaison officer for the appraisal district.

Menard said the deadline for applications has been extended to Nov. 30 because so little interest has been shown. The appraisal district board is expected to make appointments to the review board when it meets on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Applicants must live, and have lived within the appraisal district for at least two years. They must be willing to attend six hours of training classes with expenses covered. ARB members are paid $170 per day ($85 for half-days) for service and training.

The ARB meets routinely at least once per month; however, during the months of May through July, the board may meet up to five days per week for taxpayer hearings.

Requirements for conducting hearings more than one day per week often extend into the months of August and September. Applicants are required to affirm availability for conscientious attendance at ARB hearings and meetings on this basis.

Anyone interested can download an ARB application from the district's web site (nuecescad.net) by clicking on ARB in the menu column, or contact Vic Menard, NCAD Taxpayer Liaison Officer, at 881-9978, # 4159, or via e-mail (vicmenard@nuecescad.net) for more information.