Texas Association of Counties

09/16/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 11:36

Is the chief appraiser a public official? Can they hold more than one position

"I'm curious about the chief appraiser position. Do they hold a public office? Can they hold more than one position? Who hires them? Are they elected? Help! I have so many questions!"


Is the chief appraiser a public official? Can they hold more than one position?

Under Tax Code §6.05(c), the chief appraiser is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the appraisal district board of directors. A chief appraiser is not a public officer within the meaning of Texas Constitution Article 16, §40 since the office's appraisal functions are subject to review by the appraisal review board. Also, the duties are largely ministerial and derived from statute. Tex. AG Opinion No. JM-0499 (1986). A public employee does not hold a civil office for the purposes of the dual office holding prohibition. If your curiosity extends to other public office subject matters, see our publication Pitfalls and Perils of Public Office.