Fair Appraisals for Bosque County

In 2022, the Bosque Central Appraisal District (BCAD) quietly implemented financial decisions that significantly benefit its internal administration, without public discussion, taxpayer consent, or visible return on investment to the community. These include one of the most generous retirement benefit plans in the Texas public sector and the accumulation of nearly half a million dollars in undisclosed reserve funds.

This report examines two key areas of concern: enhanced employee retirement benefits and non-operating reserve accounts. Together, they reflect a troubling pattern of administrative self-interest and fiscal insulation.

Unprecedented Retirement Benefits

Extraordinary TCDRS Match
In April 2022, BCAD increased its retirement match to 250%—contributing $2.50 for every $1 employees contribute to the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS). This move placed BCAD well above industry norms:
- Typical match: 100%–150%
- BCAD employer contribution: 17.5%–19.58% of salary
- Vesting period: Reduced to 8 years (most plans require 10 years)

Long-Term Taxpayer Liability
If current trends hold, BCAD will spend more than $5 million on retirement contributions over 30 years. Employer contributions already exceed $90,000 annually, and no offsetting cost-saving measures have been proposed.

Lack of Oversight and Justification
The retirement policy changes were adopted during a routine board meeting with no public hearing or formal justification. No analysis was provided to explain the necessity or sustainability of such an aggressive match for a small rural district.

Hidden Non-Operating Reserves

2024 Reserve Fund Allocations BCAD designated the following non-operating reserves in 2024:
- Technology & Professional Services: $374,602.57
- Legal & Litigation: $50,000.00
- Total Reserve Stockpile: $424,602.57

Non-Operating Classification and Intent These reserves are classified outside operational spending. No evidence from the 2025 Adopted Budget suggests any portion will be used to offset taxpayer burden.

Speculation of Facility Expansion Budget records and board minutes point to long-term plans for a multimillion-dollar facility. It is plausible that these reserves are being accumulated to finance this project—without voter approval, public hearings, or transparent capital planning.

Transparency and Ethical Governance Despite repeated financial motions to allocate surplus funds, no formal roadmap or public benefit plan has been presented. Taxpayer money is being held, categorized ambiguously, and potentially used for undisclosed future spending.

BCAD's Quiet Goldmine

Over the years, BCAD has approved substantial financial changes with minimal public visibility or explanation. Available records indicate a pattern of increasing internal compensation and stockpiling of discretionary reserves, even as many local residents struggle with rising property taxes. These facts signal a disturbing shift away from transparency and public service.

While these actions may meet the minimum legal requirements, they fail the test of responsible governance. BCAD’s use of public funds demands greater scrutiny.

Sign the PetitionDemand Bosque County Appraisal District Board of Directors to Replace Chief Appraiser

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