1.  The customer is never an interruption to our work...the customer IS our work!
2.   Brighten every customer’s day, greet everyone with a smile.
3.   Whenever possible, acknowledge customers by name.
4.   Project professionalism, courtesy and dignity to everyone.
5.   State things in a positive way.
6.   NEVER argue with a customer.
7.   Always go the extra mile to provide assistance.
8.   Never say, “I don’t know” without saying,  “but I would be more than
          happy to find out!”
9.   Never blame someone else.
10.   Never forget that the customer pays our salary.
11.   Be remarkable!

  

 

                                 Hot Topics

 

 

TROPICAL STORM BETA VICTIMS

APPLY FOR TEMPORARY DISASTER EXEMPTION BY JANUARY 4, 2021!

 

September 21, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed a state of disaster due to Tropical Storm Beta that included Harris and Galveston Counties. 

 

The Texas Tax Code provides for a temporary exemption for property owners who are victims of natural disasters.  This exemption is automatic for all governments adopting a tax rate on or after the disaster declaration.  All others must adopt the exemption.  Property owners must apply to the CAD in order to be considered.  The application is shown below.

 

The following GCTO partner governments provide the exemption automatically:

 

     Dickinson          Friendswood          Hitchcock          Jamaica Beach
     MUD #12           WCID #12              WCID #19

 

As of November 3rd, the following governments have adopted or are considering adoption of the exemption:

 

     Galveston County & Road & Flood (adopted 11/2)

     Kemah (adopted 11/4)

     Friendswood ISD (considering 11/9)

     Galveston (considering 11/12)

     Hitchcock ISD (considering 11/17)

 

Documentation supporting the damage (FEMA, other appropriate source including County emergency management authority) must accompany the application.  APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT BY JANUARY 4, 2021 TO BE CONSIDERED TIMELY!

 

The exemption will only apply as a prorated percentage for the portion of the year in which the owner was unable to enjoy their property due to the damage.  Contact the Galveston CAD at (409) 935-1980 with questions.

 

 Temporary Exemption for Property Damaged by a Disaster.pdf

 

INPUT SUBMITTED TO TEXAS HOUSE ON TAX BILLS FROM 86TH SESSION!

 

Input Interim Charge 1.1 Johnson Cover Letter and Exhibits.pdf

Input Interim Charge 2 Johnson.pdf

 

 

 

​ You May Need a Plate for That!

 

License plates ARE REQUIRED for off highway vehicles and golf carts IF THEY ARE PERMITED BY CITY ORDINANCE TO BE DRIVEN IN DESIGNATED ROADWAYS.  Only Neighborhood Electric and Low Speed Vehicles may legally be driven on most roadways (unless specifically prohibited).  

 

Plates may be obtained from any county tax office at a cost of $14.75 and must be accompanied by a 130U (see form below).  PLEASE NOTE - SIMPLY PURCHASING A LICENSE PLATE DOES NOT ENABLE YOU TO DRIVE IT ON TEXAS ROADS!  As of 10/5/2020, we have determined the following cities permit off highway vehicles or golf carts (this list will be updated as additional information is obtained):

 

     Bayou Vista - golf carts and OHV

     Clear Lake Shores - golf carts; OHV may be considered in future

     Galveston  - golf carts

     Hitchcock - golf carts only

     Jamaica Beach - golf carts and OHV

     Santa Fe - golf carts only

     Texas City - golf carts and OHV

     Tiki Island - golf carts only

     

130U for Golf Cart License Plates for Individuals.pdf

Please note that the Governor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration remains in effect for motor vehicle titling and registration thus off ORV and golf cart owners have 60 days from date of declaration end to comply.  Avoid the line and obtain plates via the mail!   

            

 

 

               Five Year Summary of Tax Rates
       All Galveston County Governments

 

The below file includes a five year history of all of the calculated and adopted rates for all Galveston County governments that have properly reported them.  This information is provided as required
by Section 26.16 of the Texas Property Tax Code. 

 

2020 Five Year Summary Report TNT V3.pdf

 

  

    Effectively Protest Your Property Value

  

Classes are over as is the opportunity to protest the value for 2020 unless there is a substantial error on the part of the CAD.  Prepare for next year by downloading and
reading the booklet.  The spreadsheet posted below is explained in the booklet.  It, in combination with the spreadsheet, provides all of the tools needed to effectively
lower your property value. 

 

 

 2020 Protest Handbook Online Print Version.pdf​  

 

  

2020.Prot​est Worksheets.xlsx