oakhillgazette.com
May 15, 2014 Volume 19, No. 10 Southwest Austin’s Community Newspaper Since 1995
Local residents see huge jump in property values by Tony Tucci OAK HILL - Property values (read property taxes) took a huge jump this year in the Oak Hill area—increases being called “outlandish” and “blood boiling” by some local residents. But it was a good news-bad news situation as Travis County homeowners found property appraisal
notices in their mailboxes this month. If you are selling your house you are probably thrilled as never before by the suddenly soaring value of your home. Officials say you can blame (or thank) the strong economy and growing popularity of Austin. About 393,925 property owners were mailed notices by the Travis
Central Appraisal District, which places a value on each property. That value is used to determine how much each property is taxed by cities, counties, school districts and other taxing jurisdictions. Chief Appraiser Marya D. Crigler reported that the average homestead taxable values in Travis County increased 8 percent from $222,486
last year to $240,139 in 2014. Some local homeowners, however, reported increases that are much higher. An increase in taxable value was good news for homeowners thinking about selling their property. While taxable value is not the same as market value, it can be used in determining a sales price. See LOCAL on page 26
Dawgs deliver! Bowie sweeps McNeil in Bi-district and knocks out defending champion The Woodlands in Area
Bowie pitcher Kyle Gray (#10) warms up before pitching a two-hit shutout against McNeil—story, photos and more sports beginning on page 14. —photo by Bob Hebert