A little kindness goes a long way
This story begins with a man losing his wife of 43 years to cancer. We had built our retirement home here in Hays County. We had qualified our home for Homestead and Old Age (65-Older) exemptions.
I removed my wife from the house title at the Hays County appraisal office after her death, which I was advised to do and after I received our/my Hays County 2021 Tax statement, I realized the exemptions were removed.
So I went to appraisal office and resigned for my exemption on Nov 12, 2021. A few days later, I phoned the Tax Office. Was told that I do not get my exemptions this year. Pay in full?
During my brief polite conversation I could detect stress in her voice and the background sounds were stressed.
I did not get my exemption issue solved for this tax year, but more concerning is the stress due to understaffing which effects more than retail and fast food places.
The tax office is short handed and takes time to educate and hire more staff. I realize I had every reason to be upset at the tax office, but so do a lot of other people, and they are and they show it.
I then apologized for her condition in the work place. We need to let them know, we do appreciate them.
And my point in all this is to just be patient. If you’re having troubles, the person you’re talking to on the other end of the phone is probably having troubles too and a little kindness might make things run a little smoother.
But still, something worth considering is with the increase of population and buildings going up in Hays County, a different system needs to be put in place. A half cent Sales Tax – Not Property Tax – would get more money for the schools in Hays County.
I still would like my deductions though please.
Thank You.
Respectfully
Charles Rhea
Buda
