SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Jefferson County property owners are suing over claims the county appraisal district unlawfully appraised their property too high.

Skylar Thompson and Caira Thompson Franz, co-trustees by grantors Bruce C. and Alletta Thompson, Retail Investors of Texas, TSTL Investments, DST Enterprises, Bruce's Market Basket, and Uno Family Partnership filed a lawsuit Oct. 1 in the Jefferson County District Court against the Jefferson County Appraisal District.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs own or lease property in Jefferson County that was assessed by the defendants at a value that exceeds the fair market value of the property. The plaintiffs say they protested the valuation and gave evidence displaying the appraised value was excessive and unlawful. The complaint states such an excessive valuation assesses an excessive lien and tax burden on the property.

The plaintiffs seek an order that the appraisal board set aside the excessive valuation order, an order setting the lawful appraised value of the property, attorney fees, and costs of court.

They are represented by attorneys Gavin McBryde and Kathleen J. Santos of McBryde Firm in Austin.

Jefferson County District Court case number: E-196180