County appraiser reports modest valuation gains, outlines 17% reinspection cycle

Eugene Rupell, Ellis County appraiser, told the commission on April 7 that overall county valuations increased about 3% from 2025 to 2026 and that the county added roughly 189 new parcels for this year’s roll — about a 1.1% increase in parcel count. He said residential property’s share of total valuation slipped slightly from 62.18% to 61.8%, while agricultural values fell about 4% overall.

Rupell said assessed‑value notices were mailed March 23 and that property owners have 30 days to file an appeal; the appraisal office’s last appeal‑filing date is April 21. He described the reinspection program the office must conduct: state statute requires staff to reinspect roughly 17% of parcels each year (one‑sixth of the county). Inspectors will do door‑to‑door exterior checks, will not enter homes without invitation, and will rely on mailed cards and homeowner responses to confirm interior details when appropriate. “We do not go inside any structures unless we are invited,” Rupell said.

Rupell reviewed median changes by class: vacant land median values increased in many areas (about 10% in some spots), median residential appraised value rose slightly, and median single‑family sale prices increased in Ellis County. He said the county will begin the reinspection cycle in targeted areas — including parts of Hayes and outside-city corridors — within a week or two and that maps are available on the appraisal office website.

During questions, Rupell explained how appraisers handle ambiguous outbuildings or partial concrete floors: field staff use training and a judgement of whether a structure is “predominantly” concrete or earth‑floored and will follow up with owners when the exterior survey cannot resolve the condition.

The update provided schedule and appeal information but did not change any assessments on the floor; appeals must be filed through the appraisal office by the stated deadline.