Commissioners expand Board of Tax Assessors to five members, appoint attorney to new seat

The Harris County Board of Commissioners voted to amend county ordinance to expand the Board of Tax Assessors from three members to five, and they appointed an attorney to one of the newly created terms during the February meeting.

County staff presented a proposed ordinance that would increase the number of assessors and adjust term dates so the board’s composition complies with statutory requirements. Staff said the change would require at least three public, at-large members and allow up to two staff members to serve on the board, and that all members must reside in the county.

A commissioner moved to adopt the ordinance, and after a second the board approved the change by voice vote. The meeting record indicates the motion passed; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public transcript.

Following adoption, the commission discussed two vacancies created by the change and appointed Brian McKean (attorney and local landowner, per the meeting) to a term labeled in the ordinance as term number 4, with an end date on 12/31/2028. The motion to appoint was made and seconded and the board approved the appointment by voice vote. Commissioners said McKean brings commercial and northwest-county representation to the board.

Commissioners characterized the adjustment as a response to county growth and to broaden perspectives on the assessors’ board; staff noted the amendment does not change the board’s current functions for selecting a chief appraiser and carrying out assessment duties.

Ending: The ordinance expanding the assessors board was adopted and the commission appointed Brian McKean to one of the new public at-large seats; staff will proceed to fill the remaining vacancy consistent with the new ordinance language.