Oped by Commissioner Cook
Contrary to common belief, our county tax assessor-collector doesn’t determine the value of our homes or the tax rates applied to those values.
The county tax office is responsible for accurately calculating bills for our properties and mailing them. They also collect tax payments.
In addition, this office handles registration, renewals and title transfers of vehicles, and issues handicap placards and new or personalized plates.
In the past, tax assessors performed property appraisals. However, since 1982, state law requires that counties create single appraisal districts.
The Williamson Central Appraisal District is one of 254 appraisal districts responsible for valuing every parcel in our county.
Our tax assessor-collector, Larry Gaddes, first elected in 2016, was chief deputy for seven years leading to his election. He oversees a staff of 65. The main office is located just south of the Square in Georgetown, and the other three offices are in Round Rock, Cedar Park and Taylor.
Although most of us complain about property taxes, they are the primary source of revenue for our school districts, the county, city and other special districts. We use these funds to pay for services, such as new roads and road maintenance, emergency services, parks and flood control.
Gaddes said while property taxes account for the largest portion of funds the county collects, his offices conduct far more motor vehicle-related transactions throughout the year. Most people visiting their lobbies are there to handle transactions relating to the 450,000 registered vehicles in Texas.