Tarrant Appraisal District votes on replacement of former president
FORTWORTH, Texas – Property tax watchdogs are closely monitoring a change in board members at the Tarrant Appraisal District, the agency that determines property values.
The former president resigned ahead of a recall vote. The largest tax entity has voted to replace him.
The outcome of Tuesday’s county special commission meeting means Fort Worth businessman Vince Puente will become a new board member of TAD, the entity that sets real estate appraisals in Tarrant County.
The move follows the recall and resignation of former member Kathryn Wilemon amid controversy involving real estate agent Chandler Crouch.
“I file more protests than anyone,” Crouch said. “I’m very effective at protesting, and I think he made them look bad, and he didn’t like it.”
Hundreds of homeowners showed up at a TAD meeting earlier this year in support of Crouch.
Ousted member Wilemon has been at the center of allegations the board has kept secret: several complaints filed with the state about Crouch.
“There have been investigations,” Crouch said. “The investigations cleared me of any wrongdoing.”
Tarrant County real estate agent helping people protest canceled appraisals after filed complaint
Several tax agencies have one vote on TAD’s board of directors.
But with Tarrant County as TAD’s majority shareholder, Tuesday’s approval of Puente makes Crouch optimistic about more transparency within TAD in the future.
“My hope is that the culture of how they approach problems changes,” she said. “I’ve seen positive evidence of it. I just hope it continues.”
