Cleburne Planning Committee nominates Peter Svenson for Central Appraisal District board vacancy

The Joshua City Council convened on February 20, 2025, to address several key issues, including the nomination of a new board member for the Central Appraisal District (CAD) following the passing of Jim Cockrell. The meeting featured public comments from community members advocating for Peter Svenson, a long-time resident and active participant in local affairs.

Michael McCorville, representing Svenson, detailed his extensive background in property management and community service. Svenson, who could not attend due to a personal matter, has lived in Johnson County for over 50 years and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including the Christmas in Action program, which assists low-income families and veterans with home repairs. He also serves on the Cleburne Planning and Zoning Committee and has a history in the country music business.

Svenson’s primary motivation for seeking a position on the CAD board is to address concerns regarding property tax appraisals and alleged mismanagement within the appraisal district. He has identified issues such as properties not being appraised for over a decade, which he argues has resulted in significant financial losses for the county. His goal is to ensure fair and equitable property valuations in accordance with Texas law.

Greg, another community member, echoed support for Svenson, highlighting the recent improvements in the CAD since the election of new board members. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in the appraisal process and noted that Svenson has consistently been a reliable advocate for transparency and accountability.

Following the public comments, Council members expressed their support for Svenson. One member noted his intelligence and passion for controlling property taxes, emphasizing the importance of accurate property valuations in determining tax rates. A motion was made and unanimously approved to nominate Peter Svenson to fill the vacant position on the CAD board.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of an upcoming town hall meeting scheduled for March 1, where further community discussions will take place. The council expressed gratitude to those who attended and contributed to the discussions.