Res 115-2023 Restructuring the composition of the WAD BOD 10/03/2023 Resolution No. 115-2023
Resolution restructuring the composition of the Wichita Appraisal
District's Board of Directors in compliance with Senate Bill 2
WHEREAS, the method or procedure of selection and appointing of members
serving to the Wichita Appraisal District's ("WAD") Board of Directors was previously
changed in the 1980's from Texas Property Tax Code § 6.03 to one in accordance with
Texas Property Tax Code § 6.031 ;
WHEREAS, Tax Code § 6.031(b) states: "The taxing units participating in an
appraisal district may increase the number of members on the board of directors of the
district to not more than 13, change the method or procedure for appointing the members,
or both, if the governing bodies of three-fourths of the taxing units that are entitled to vote
on the appointment of board members adopt resolutions providing for the change";
WHEREAS, the WAD's Board of Directors was previously increased in accordance
with Tax Code § 6.031 from five members to nine;
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 2 of the Second Called Special Session of the 88th Texas
Legislature added Tax Code Section 6.0301 for Appraisal Districts in a county with a
population of 75,000 or more. Wichita County's population is greater than 75,000
according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
WHEREAS, when effective, Senate Bill 2 will eliminate Texas Property Tax Code
§ 6.031 in counties with a population of 75,000 or more and will require changes to the
composition of the WAD Board of Directors to be nine members as follows:
Five directors appointed by the taxing units;
Three directors elected by majority vote of the public;
The County Assessor-Collector as an ex officio director.
WHEREAS, to be in compliance with the new board composition requirements of
Senate Bill 2 when it becomes effective, the WAD's Board of Directors should prepare
and decrease the size of appointed members from the current number of 9 to 5 members
that are appointed by the taxing units participating in the appraisal district.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
1 . That the findings and recitals in the preamble of this Resolution are hereby found
to be true and correct and are hereby approved and adopted;
2. For the term beginning on January 1 , 2024, that the Wichita Falls City Council
approves the decrease from nine WAD appointed board members to five appointed
members, in addition to a member being the county assessor-collector in accordance with
§ 6.03 or 6.0301 of the Tax Code;
3. That the Wichita Falls City Council approves the method provided in § 6.03 of the
Tax Code to select members serving on the WAD's Board of Directors;
4. This action voids and rescinds any and all previously agreed upon methods of
WAD Board membership selection and composition.
5. The effective date of this resolution shall be immediate upon adoption and shall
govern the appointment of WAD Board of Director members for the term beginning on
January 1 , 2024.
6. Changes enacted by this Resolution remain in effect until changed in a manner
provided for by the Texas Property Tax Code or January 1 , 2025.
7. That it is hereby found, determined and declared that a sufficient written notice of
the date, time, place and subject of the meeting of the Wichita Falls City Council at which
this Resolution was adopted was posted at a place convenient and readily accessible at
all times to the general public for the time required by law preceding this meeting as
required by chapter 551 , Texas Government Code, and that this meeting has been open
to the public as required by law at all times during which this Resolution and the subject
matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council
further ratifies, approves, and confirms such written notice and posting thereof.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 3RD day of October, 2023.
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
City Clerk