From the Houston Press: Shakedown: The HCAD Appraisal Game

The Houston Press investigated the Harris County Appraisal District and found evidence that it is reducing the appraisals of high value properties and making up the difference by increasing those of lesser value. HCAD pushes back and blames the state legislature since they establish the rules the determine how property is to be appraised in the county. And owners of high end property are more likely to be able to afford attorneys who can challenge the appraisal - especially the large companies that own area refineries.

According to a report by the SEIU, successful protests of high end property has resulted in a reduction of almost 2 and half billion dollars in Harris County's tax base. As a result:

. . . the City of Houston and Harris County lost out on $15.4 million and $9.4 million in tax revenues respectively, while the Harris County Hospital District was deprived of more than $4.6 million in revenue. Local school districts, including Alief, Spring Branch and Katy, were shorted $29.1 million in property-tax revenue.

For related stories:

- George Scott Reports.
- HP stories on chief appraiser Jim Robinson.