Landowner Alert System 7-28-20
Property Taxes:
Our team at Braun & Gresham has spent the last few months negotiating property tax issues or denials with appraisal districts. And we have learned a few things. First, make sure to protest timely. We file our protests by May 15th if we haven’t received an approval on any application that we have submitted. Second, pay attention to deadlines that are set by your local appraisal district. These deadlines may be specific to your appraisal district and not mandated by the state. But, it is very important to make sure that you are meeting them. The third thing our team has learned, is communication early and often is key to getting issues resolved. I have seen that 99% of our matters can be resolved by addressing the issue informally with the appraisal district staff before the appraisal review board hearing. As always, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of your local appraisal district.
Cassie Gresham, Principal, Attorney & Counselor
Texas Ecolab Program – Last Chance to Apply!
The Texas Ecolab Program offers landowners an alternative to traditional grazing, timber or farming required to establish favorable “Ag” tax rates. Braun & Gresham is currently accepting applications to enter into the program through the end of July. If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to watch our latest webinar that outlines the qualifications and next steps to enter the program, and how to move into Wildlife Management after establishing a ‘history’ of research on your property.
Taylor: Property Taxes a Problem Without a Solution for Business Owners
Texas businesses that own their own real estate face an unsolvable math problem. Let’s start with one side of the math equation. Property tax appraisals by law are set in January. You may recall January 2020, which we all agree took place about seven years ago. COVID-19 months are like dog years…
State Bill Allows for Property Tax Cap Increase During a Disaster – Some City Leaders are Looking Into It
Some homeowners in Hays County may end up paying more in taxes next fiscal year. Both the cities of Kyle and San Marcos are considering calculating property tax rates using an 8% percent cap instead of a 3.5% cap. “That is not about the tax rate increasing 3.5%, it’s about the revenue the community gets from your property taxes…”
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Water Rights:
As the Texas heat continues to burn, proper preparation for droughts can give landowners the relief they need. Dams provide an essential water source for livestock and wildlife. While building one can be a complicated process, we are here to help make sure it is worth your time and effort.
Carly Barton, Attorney & Counselor
What’s the Dam deal?
As Texas continues to grow and water becomes scarcer, more landowners look for solutions to keep water on their properties. Putting a dam on your property can be the answer to preserving water, but complicated regulations can be difficult to navigate. Federal, state, and local governments can all have a say in the construction of a dam…
Mega-Droughts Could Put Texas’ Water Supply in Jeopardy
Researchers at the Environmental Science Institute at the University of Texas believe Texas’ current water plan is not ready for the effects of climate change. They’re concerned that mega-droughts, droughts that can last ten years or more, could be brought on by climate change. The mega-droughts, plus a mixture of rising temperatures, changes in rain patterns and a booming population could lead to a dwindling water supply…
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Braun & Gresham offers the Landowner Alert System to help our clients and colleagues stay informed on issues affecting landowners and their land. This free e-mail service comes out once every two weeks and gives subscribers exclusive access to a range of information including announcements about important changes in the law, upcoming educational seminars, insightful blogs by our legal team, and other current articles related to Texas land and law. Anyone interested in land will benefit.