LaQuinta says hotel was appraised unfairly

A hotel company is suing over claims its Jefferson County property was appraised in excess of its fair market value.
Bre/LQ TX Properties (La Quinta No. 537) filed a lawsuit Sept. 29 in Jefferson County District Court against the Jefferson County Appraisal District.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff learned in May the defendant had valued its property on Interstate Highway 10 North at $2,808,210, which the plaintiff protested, saying it far exceeds the fair market value of the property. Bre/LQ TX Properties says that after it gave evidence that the true value of the property was lower than the appraisal stated, including comparison with comparable properties, the review board changed its decision to $2,340,170, which still exceeds the value, according to the plaintiff.

The complaint states the method for appraisal is antiquated and unlawful, failing to take into account all relevant factors in a property's value, and the taxing upon such a valuation constitutes an unlawful levy, creating an illegal lien on the property, and a cloud on the plaintiff's title.

Bre/LQ TX Properties seeks an order setting aside the review board's decision, an order fixing the fair market value of the property, an injunction compelling the appraisal district to correct the tax roll, attorney fees and costs of court.

The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Daniel P. Donovan and Marcia F. Pennell of Geary, Porter and Donovan in Addison.

Jefferson County District Court case number: B-196170