JUNE 8, 2022 HCWC RAISES $192K
STRONGER TOGETHER
Auction is a success – Page 10
How the Hays community is helping – Page 5, 6
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Hays Free Press
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Vol. 128 • No. 13
Serving Hays County, TX
Board of Realtors wants answers Cease and desist letter sent to Hays CAD
BY MEGAN WEHRING The Austin Board of Realtors (ABOR) is investigating the Hays Central Appraisal District’s (HCAD) use of unauthorized private real estate data. On Tuesday, May 24, the ABOR issued a cease-and-desist letter to the HCAD instructing the district to stop using multiple listing service (MLS) data from Austin/Central Texas Realty Information Service (ACTRIS) without proper authorization. “We are actively investigating the source(s) of the unauthorized data access and how MLS data may have been inappropriately used in the appraisal of Hays County properties,” said Emily Chenevert, Chief Executive Officer of ABOR. “The action we’ve asked them to take is to stop using unauthorized access to MLS data, which is covered under the
cease and desist letter. If we are to find that individual subscribers of ACTRIS are misusing data that they are accessing for the purpose of using it at a governmental entity, then we will take action on an individual basis as well.” ABOR explained that the MLS database has comprehensive housing information transmitted through several portals and websites that allows consumers to search on a variety of criteria for housing. It blends public tax records and information/photos specific to each home across Central Texas. It is still unknown how the HCAD gained access to the information as the appraisal district did not disclose where or how it received the MLS data. “In its annual effort to satisfy both its constitutional and statutory mandates to determine market values for properties within Hays County for tax assessment purposes, Hays CAD has utilized MLS
sales data when provided to us and relevant,” said Laura Raven, Chief Appraiser. “Under generally accepted appraisal guidelines, groups of sales occurring within a region of the county and within appropriate time frames are widely considered to be the most useful information in establishing market values. The district routinely inquires of property owners, brokers and tax agents, reviews marketing materials, accesses public records and researches internet sources in its ongoing search for the most accurate information relating to property values.” ABOR has not received any kind of response from the appraisal district. “What we want everyone to understand is that ACTRIS MLS and the Austin Board of Realtors are incredibly proactive in addressing any concern as it relates to the unauthorized access of the MLS system,” Chenevert said. “The MLS system still
remains the best and most complete marketplace and is the place to find the listings that you need if you are a buyer, it’s the place to gain the greatest exposure if you are a seller looking to make top dollar on a sale of your home and anytime we perceive that there is a concern around the confidentiality or privacy of the system, we take immediate action. We do that to help protect consumers and ensure that their expectations around the system are being met.” The Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch is continuing to follow this issue. If new information becomes available, we will provide an update to the public. Also, if any property owners are affected by this situation and would like to share their story, please reach out to us by emailing news@haysfreepress.com.
FISH ON
Young Buda anglers compete in derby BY BRITTANY ANDERSON BUDA — It was a successful day of fishing for some of Buda’s youngest anglers.
The 13th annual Buda Fun Fish took place at Bradfield Village Pond on June 4, where dozens of kids lined up against the pond to show off their fish-
PHOTOS BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Parents and grandparents supported their young anglers and kids of all ages enjoyed participating in the Buda Fun Fish.
See FISH, page 10
State of the City
Buda PD investigates attempted burglary STAFF REPORT
BUDA – The Buda Police Department is investigating an attempted burglary that occurred early in the morning on June 1. On Wednesday at approximately 12:38 a.m., five male subjects were seen on video attempting to force entry into a residence in the Whispering Hollow subdivision of Buda. At least two of the subjects were armed. After attempts to breach the door were unsuccessful, the subjects used a flowerpot to break a front window.
For unknown reasons, the subjects did not enter the residence and left. The subjects are believed to have arrived in a green colored Dodge Charger and a black colored pickup, possibly a Ford F150. “I want to assure the public that the Buda Police Department is taking the recent attempted residential burglary in the Whispering Hollow Subdivision and vehicle burglaries very seriously,” said Police Chief Bo Kidd in a
See WANTED, page 10
HOMETOWN HERO
Kyle native serves in Navy – Page 2
ing skills and vie for one of the five awards. The event, with support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the city of Buda and many sponsors and volunteers, was first started over a decade ago by Vincent Lecca on a “shoestring budget” when he was a volunteer for TPWD. Lecca said his goal with Fun Fish is to give back to his community, share his passion for fishing to kids of all ages and keep communities connected with outdoor activities. “We’re here to get your kids outside, off of electronics, educate them about conservation and different activities and organizations in their community, and of course, educate them about fishing,” Lecca said. Once the hour-long derby began, anglers were
Mayor Travis Mitchell to present in Kyle STAFF REPORT KYLE – Later this month, Mayor Travis Mitchell will present the 2022 State of the City. The event, a partnership between the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce and city of Kyle, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 at Texas Old Town’s Sage Hall located at 1205 Roland Lane. Mitchell will look back on accomplishments from last year, as well as highlight how the city is preparing for 2022 and
the future. The mayor's presentation will include information regarding the city's broader strategy to increase sustainable long-term private investment through projects that center growth and revitalization, with a continued focus on beautification and green space. “The annual State of the City Address is an excellent opportunity for our members to hear straight from the source,” said Julie Snyder, CEO of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce. “Mayor Mitchell is a business-
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person himself and our members appreciate hearing what the council is working on for the future and how it directly impacts our business community.” The Kyle Chamber Annual State of the City Address is sponsored by Texas Disposal Systems and other supporting organizations. Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase online at https://bit.ly/2022KyleSOTC.