Denton County appraisal district problems keep growing with the leak of a report showing leadership failings of Chief Appraiser Hope McClure.
Why was the release of a consultant’s study of the appraisal district suddenly pulled off the agenda this week at the monthly director’s meeting?
Let’s not wait to learn about the report. The Watchdog has obtained a copy, even though it’s not yet public.“There is currently a toxic environment in the building,” consultant Richard Petree writes. “Numerous retirements and dismissals have stoked the fire of discontent.” This report provides a look inside one of Texas’ most troubled appraisal districts. It helps explain why in the two years since McClure took over, the district has mailed out inaccurate appraisal notices that had to be corrected.
“I plan to share the full report when it is an accurate and complete report,” she wrote back. “Denton CAD was not given the opportunity to address the discrepancies found within the original report prior to the board meeting, as was originally agreed upon by Mr. Petree and Denton CAD.” He created a training academy for Texas chief appraisers that is now part of state law. He served as interim chief in six counties and consulted for 30 counties. He’s won top awards from both the state and international appraisal associations.He’s the go-to guy on this. Good luck in a search for inaccuracies.
McClure, he writes, is “very involved in the hiring and interview process.” She should stop handling new employee interviews and pass that responsibility to department heads.