Tax relief is available to elderly or disabled



Texans who are 65 or older or who are disabled as defined by law may postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax deferral affidavit at the Atascosa County Appraisal District office. Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred, but not cancelled, as long as the owner continues to own and live […]

Notice of Availability of Electronic Communications



Under a new law, chief appraisers of county appraisal districts, appraisal districts, and appraisal review boards may communicate electronically through email or other methods with property owners or their designated representatives. Electronic communication for the purpose of delivering notices, applications, and other documents is authorized only if the Chief Appraiser and property owner or designated representative agrees under that law […]

Payment options for property taxes on home value



Texas homeowners may postpone paying the current property taxes due on the appreciating value of their homes by taking advantage of a payment option called “residence homestead tax deferral” and filing a tax deferral affidavit at the Atascosa County Appraisal District. This tax relief allows homeowners to pay the property taxes on 105 percent of the preceding year’s appraised value […]

Texas Comptroller’s office is helping property taxpayers know their rights



Property taxpayers looking for answers to their questions can refer to the Texas Comptroller’s 2012 publication Property Taxpayer Remedies. The reference guide addresses property tax basics, providing a step by step guide on preparing for a protest hearing and what they can do if they are dissatisfied with an appraisal review board’s decision. “As a taxpayer, you should know your […]

Productivity Appraisal reduces property taxes on farms and ranches



Texas farmers and ranchers can be granted property tax relief on their land. They may apply to the Atascosa County Appraisal District for agricultural productivity appraisal and for a lower appraisal of their land based on how much they produce, versus what their land would sell for in the open market. The Texas Constitution authorizes two types of agricultural productivity […]

Oil & Gas Report

Railroad Commission of Texas: Accomplishments in 2011

We are fortunate in our great State of Texas to have the “best” when it comes to authorities that set the rules and regulations governing the oil and gas industry. The Texas Railroad Commission is “second to none” in my perspective. In one important aspect of the oil and gas area, nationally it was desired that action be taken within […]

Jeep joyride ends with helicopter’s assistance



The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Jourdanton man Saturday night following a pursuit of him allegedly driving a stolen 2002 Jeep. Sergeant-Deputy Sheriff Max Peralta spotted the jeep on a residential street in Jourdanton shortly before 7:00 p.m. and attempted to stop him. The driver took off at a high rate of speed with Sergeant Peralta following behind. Several […]

Veteran’s Corner

Blue Water Veterans: Agent Orange Equity Act of 2011

The Senate version would amend current law determining which Vietnam Veterans are eligible for presumptive exposure to the toxic herbicide Agent Orange to include so-called Blue Water Veterans who served offshore in the seas surrounding Vietnam. A similar bill in the House would extend presumption of exposure to those who served offshore of Vietnam and those who served in Vietnamese […]

The Courthouse in Pleasanton

Part I

The County Seat of Atascosa County was for many years in the City of Pleasanton, Texas. In 1910, by a vote of the people of the county, it was moved to Jourdanton, where it remains today. The beautiful old rock building shown at right, located on the plaza square in Pleasanton, served as the Courthouse for Atascosa County from January […]

BPA sending 8 to State



Business Professionals of America, Pleasanton High School Chapter attended Regional Contest at Judson High School on Saturday, Jan. 28. Students competed in various individual and team events in the following categories: Administrative, Financial, Information Technology, and Marketing/Management/Human Resource. Pleasanton performed well with eight students advancing to the State Competition in Dallas, Feb. 29-March 3. Those who qualified for State Contest […]