County appraiser: 2026 total value rises to about $3.00 billion; 17% reinspection cycle to begin this summer

Eugene Ruppell, the county appraiser, told the Ellis County Commission that the county's 2026 final appraised value totaled $3,001,878,381, an increase he described as roughly 3% over 2025. He said the county added about 189 new parcels for 2026 and that the residential share of total valuation dipped slightly to 61.8 percent.

Ruppell also contrasted appraised and assessed values, saying assessed value (excluding exemptions) rose to about $454,900,020 for 2026 from roughly $439,000,000 in 2025 — a difference he characterized as about $15 million. "The total final value for 2026 came up to, $3,001,878,381 right there," Ruppell said during his presentation. He noted median single-family sale prices increased by about $25,000 and that the median appraised single-family home value is now $198,770.

The appraiser outlined a statutory 17% annual reinspection cycle (one-sixth of parcels per year) and said maps showing targeted inspection zones are available on the county website; he identified neighborhoods in Hays (including areas near the country club and Old 40 corridor) as part of this year's inspection list. On procedure, Ruppell said appraisers "do not go inside any houses, unless... the homeowner wants us to see something," and described mailed cards homeowners may return to report interior changes or corrections.

Commissioners and a member of the public asked for clarification about how inspectors determine interior conditions (for example, whether a shop has a concrete floor) and Ruppell described a predominance test and staff training used to make those determinations. He encouraged residents who have questions about mailed notices or the inspection process to contact the appraisal office.