Trustees nominate Jonathan Cowan to Harris Central Appraisal District board in 4–3 debate

The Katy ISD Board of Trustees voted 4–3 on Aug. 25 to nominate Jonathan Cowan to fill an unexpected vacancy on the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) board of directors. Bill Frasier, who addressed the board during public comment and identified himself as a certified public accountant and former CFO with long experience in finance, asked trustees to nominate him for the remaining term that runs to February 2028. Frasier told trustees he had worked in valuation, loan administration and finance and said the appraisal board position "is a very important job" that should be filled by someone with financial and analytical experience. Trustee discussion reflected the split. One trustee said Cowan appeared to have an information-technology background and recommended Frasier for his accounting experience; another trustee reported that Cowan told her he planned measures to reduce apartment protest wins and streamline the appraisal process to preserve tax revenue for Katy ISD. Ultimately the motion to nominate Jonathan Cowan passed 4–3. The nomination will go forward as the district's recommendation to the appraisal district process for filling the vacancy. Trustees did not take other action on appraisal district governance at the meeting.