San Antonio Report
by Shari Biediger
The organization that appraises all Bexar County property for tax purposes recently named its new leader.
The Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) board of directors selected Rogelio Sandoval to serve as chief appraiser starting Jan. 8. Sandoval, who has served as assistant chief appraiser since 2016, succeeds Michael Amezquita, who retires as chief appraiser on Jan. 5.
Sandoval will serve as interim chief appraiser until that time.
Amezquita’s retirement follows two decades at the Bexar Appraisal District and a 42-year career in the appraisal industry.
Board chairwoman Cheri Byrom said in a statement that Amezquita’s departure is “bittersweet,” but added that Sandoval’s outstanding leadership skills will meet the challenges of the district’s rapid growth and changes.
Sandoval joined the district in 2003 as a senior appraiser after almost five years in the Cameron Appraisal District, according to his LinkedIn profile. Amezquita served as chief appraiser for Cameron between 1995 and 2003.
Prior to BCAD, Sandoval worked as a mortgage specialist in the Bexar County Tax Office. A Rio Grande Valley native, Sandoval attended the University of Texas-Pan American and San Antonio College.
“I am committed to continue providing an accurate and timely appraisal roll to the taxing entities while maintaining the exceptional level of customer service the property owners of Bexar County have come to expect,” Sandoval said.
Property owners protesting their higher-than-expected taxable valuations is on the rise.
Rogelio Sandoval officially assumes the role of chief appraiser on Jan. 8.
Credit: Courtesy / Bexar County
In 2022, the district received 178,000 appeals of its property appraisals. More than 90% were settled through an informal meeting, said a BCAD spokeswoman.
For the 2023 tax year, the district fielded almost 200,000 protests and successfully settled 166,000.
At least the same number of protests are expected in 2024.
The BCAD board named Sandoval to the interim position in September to ensure a smooth transition as it prepares for changes in its structure, according to a statement from the organization.
The board is made up of six directors. But a new state law passed during the 88th legislative session requires appraisal districts to be governed by a board of nine directors.
The law requires five directors to be appointed by the taxing entity and three elected by a majority vote of the county voters, with the county assessor-collector serving as an ex-officio director.
County elections will be held in May with newly elected directors taking office July 1.
For a guide to appealing your property appraisal, click here.