Williamson Central Appraisal District reports high satisfaction and unveils new appraisal methods

During the recent Taylor City Council meeting on July 10, 2025, representatives from the Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) provided a comprehensive update on property valuations and legislative changes impacting local homeowners and businesses. Chief Appraiser Alvin Langford highlighted the district's achievements, including being recognized as a top workplace in the Austin area for four consecutive years and maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rating from nearly 23,000 surveys collected over the past decade.

Langford addressed concerns regarding a new law requiring appraisal districts to audit homesteads, clarifying that only about 4% of homestead owners would need to reapply for their exemptions. He emphasized that the process is straightforward and encouraged residents to avoid third-party services that charge fees for filing homestead applications, which could significantly reduce their savings.

The presentation also introduced a new appraisal notice for 2025, featuring a QR code that allows property owners to access detailed explanations of their property values. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and understanding of the appraisal process, which has been a point of pride for the WCAD. Langford noted that the district is the only one in Texas providing a sales comparison grid with appraisal notices, helping residents understand how their property values are determined.

In terms of budget, Langford reported that the WCAD remains one of the least expensive appraisal districts in Texas, with a focus on maintaining efficiency while ensuring compliance with state regulations. He explained the importance of the property value study conducted by the state comptroller's office, which assesses the accuracy of property valuations to ensure they align with market values.

Significant legislative updates were also discussed, including Senate Bill 4, which proposes increasing the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, potentially benefiting around 190,000 properties in Williamson County. Additionally, House Bill 9 introduces a $125,000 exemption on business personal property, which could exempt a substantial portion of small businesses from taxation on their equipment and inventory.

The meeting underscored the WCAD's commitment to transparency and community service, as well as the ongoing efforts to adapt to legislative changes that impact local residents and businesses. As the council prepares for upcoming decisions, the implications of these updates will likely resonate throughout the community, influencing both property owners and local economic conditions.