General Election for GCAD BOD – 05/04/2024

What do the Board of Director’s govern at the appraisal district?

• An appraisal district board of directors establish the appraisal district office, hire/fire a Chief Appraiser, have a board meeting at least once each calendar quarter and adopt the CAD’s annual operating budget before Sept. 15th after fulfilling notice requirements and holding a public hearing.

Is the BOD responsible for setting values on appraisals or tax rates?

• No. The BOD has no authority to set values or appraisal methods. The Chief Appraiser performs the appraisal district’s legal duties, hires the staff, makes the appraisals, and operates the appraisal office.

When is the election?

• May 4^th, 2024.

What is the deadline to file an application for a place on the ballot?

• Applications open January 17^th and will close on February 16^th at 5:00pm. You can find a copy of the application here https://www.galvestonvotes.org/home/showpublisheddocument/20361/638385037218630000

What is the cost to run for election?

• The fee is $400 or a petition in lieu of the filing fee containing 500 signatures. (must satisfy the requirements prescribed by sec 141.062 of the election code and sec. 6.032(d) of the tax code.)

What are the 3 positions up for election?

To elect three directors by a majority vote in the same election, candidates for the appraisal district board of directors must be elected at-large by place. Specifically, the board of directors for the appraisal district must be elected to either the at-large by place 1, at-large by place 2, or at-large by place 3 position.

Further, candidates must indicate on their candidate application the at-large position for which they are running.

How long does the elected BOD member serve on the board of directors?

• The first elected BOD members will serve a two-year term, beginning on July 1^st, 2024, and ending on December 31^st, 2026. The terms for the second election and all future elections will be for a four-year term.

Where do I submit my application for a place on the ballot?

Interested Candidates should complete the application and submit to Galveston County  Judge Mark Henry

• Email: mark.henry@co.galveston.tx.us
• In Person or Mail: North County Annex 174 Calder Dr., Suite 500, League City 77573
• FAX: (409) 765-2915

What method will be used in the election?

Majority Vote Requirement

• Section 6.0301 of the Tax Code provides that three directors of an appraisal district must be elected by majority vote at the general election for state and county officers by the voters of the county in which the district is established. (A majority vote means that the winning candidate must receive more than fifty percent of the votes. If no candidate receives more than fifty percent of the vote in an election requiring a majority, then a runoff election is required between the top two vote getters, pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Election Code.)

What are the requirements to run for the Board of Directors?

• General eligibility required for public office as defined by sec. 141.001 of the Texas Election Code, except for section 141.001(a)(5)
• You must be a resident of Galveston County for the prior two years from the date the individual takes office.
• You must not be an employee of a taxing unit that participates in the district unless the individual is also a member of the governing body or an elected official of a taxing unit.
• Must not contract, whether individual or business, with the appraisal district or taxing unit.
• Must not be related to the Chief Appraiser or a member of the Board of Directors within the second degree of consanguinity (blood) or affinity (marriage).
• Must not have appraised or represented property for compensation in Galveston County for the previous three years.
• Must not owe delinquent taxes to a taxing unit for more than 60 days after the date the individual knew or should have known of the delinquency.
• Must not have previously served as a member of the board of directors for all or part of five terms.
• Must not be an employee of the Galveston Central Appraisal District, at any time, within the last three years.

Is there compensation or salary for the elected position?

• This is a non-paid, elected position. Only reasonable travel and training expenses will be reimbursed to the BOD member.

For other questions or concerns please email the district at gcad@galvestoncad.org for prompt assistance.