Ellis County Appraisal District increases Midlothian man’s property value by 2,374%

MIDLOTHIAN – Hank K. Miller D.C. was appalled his property tax had received an astounding 2,374 percent increase in value this year.

“This year the Ellis County Appraisal District has raised our value 2,374% on our gun range flood plain property,” Miller said.

The property, TxGunRange.com located at 5761 W. Hwy 287 in Midlothian, was appraised at $925,953 from its previous $37,420.

“This is government injustice and abuse of power,” Miller said at the time.

For the past 20 years the property has been appraised at a value of $37,420, so why the increase now?

Apparently, a lot of people in Ellis County shaking their heads over their increases and asking that same question. 

Miller added the property is clearly located in a flood plain and he is not able to build on the property, except the gun range, which has been covered with flood waters. 

He also said the creek fills Joe Pool Lake.

“I have reached out to the Ellis Appraisal District, and this is not a clerical error,” Miller explained. 

“We were not given any information on the reason for the increase. 

“I was instructed by Janelle H. and Tonya, who had spoken to chief appraiser Kathy Rodrigue, Ellis Appraisal District Chief Appraiser that I needed to file a protest period. No other course of action was available.”

However, when The Ellis County Press contacted Rodrigue, she responded quickly when asked about the situation and sent a link to the website explaining the appraisal process in more detail.

In regard to Miller’s increase, she responded in an email.

“We have made a change to correct the account to a more reasonable value. 

“We absolutely want to be reasonable with property owners and if there is an error, we will work to fix it. 

“The issue at hand in most cases is that the market values in Ellis County continue to increase as folks find us. 

“We have been quietly existing south of Dallas County, but those who live north recognize the list prices of properties here are many times bargains compared to what they have experienced, so here they come very willing to join our great communities.”

Rodrigue also added this information that she said could help clarify what EAD does and does not do: 

The appraisal district has standards, legal requirements and uses comparable sales to reflect market values, just like a fee appraiser would;  

What most people do not understand is the appraisal district is required by law to be appraise property at 100% of market value every year; 

“The Property Tax Assistance Division of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts tests us and in their latest study they say we are below market in at least three school districts; 

“Also, the appraisal district does not determine the ‘amount’ of tax a property owner pays. 

“Our role is the equal distribution of the property tax burden in that if everyone is appraised correctly, no one is going to pay more or less than their fair share of the burden. 

“Once we certify an appraisal roll to each taxing unit, their governing bodies then decide what tax rate to adopt, and that component is what determines the amount you will pay. 

“We encourage to see the impact of the proposed tax rates on.”

After Rodrigue responded to Miller’s request regarding the gun range, he emailed and said, “The property 184412 (TX Gun Range) changed from $925,923 to $146,000, and we are still scheduled for our protest. 

“Maybe because the property is so unique with eight-foot of flooding, federal perpetual Congressional easement, or the 8,900,000 gallons per minute of water on the property that changed their mind?”

He still had questions such as, “I still wonder how many other businesses got $2,000+ tax increase?

“Why are there no limits on tax increases, like residential?” 

Miller also said he had additional questions he emailed Ellis County Tax Assessor and Collector Richard Rozier.

“As it has been discussed and acknowledged, in the past, that I paid taxes for several years on property 184412 and was incorrectly not allowed emergency services at the gun range. What is the process for getting reimbursed the tax money that I paid to the county for these services I was incorrectly not allowed to receive? What has been done so this does not happen again to anyone else?”

As a reminder, the deadline to protest is May 31, for all those property owners who have a discrepancy with their most recent property appraisal.