Friday Update

Weather System in Gulf

The LID operators and engineers are keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Nate. At this time, it does not appear that Nate will affect the Texas-area, but the LIDs crews are ready to handle any changes in projected path.

At this time, the LIDs’ detention ponds have the full capacity to receive and store any rainfall that may occur. In addition, the current reading of the Brazos River at the Richmond gauge is 14.06 feet, so any immediate internal rainfall would drain through gravity outfall. As a reminder, at Steep Bank Creek, gravity outfall continues until the Brazos River at Richmond gauge reads above 39 feet. However, the LID operators are continually monitoring the pump station to confirm that all pumps are functional and ready to operate if needed. Finally, we have confirmed that the MUDs overlapping the LIDs have undertaken measures to inspect and clean out storm sewer systems after Hurricane Harvey.

Although the supplemental pumps ordered during Hurricane Harvey have been removed from the Steep Bank Creek Pump Station site, the LIDs operators have confirmed that in the unlikely event of another unprecedented coincidental rainfall event, additional pumps can be delivered and made operational within 48 hours.

After Action Report

The LIDs engineers and operators are reporting that the internal after action reports are almost complete. When they are completed, copies will be posted on this website.

In addition, LID 19 will be releasing a Request for Qualifications for an external, third party review of the following:

  1. Review of Current System – compliance with all regulatory and design criteria
  2. Harvey Response – operations, communications, and recovery
  3. Potential Changes to System and Cost Analysis
  4. Other Suggested Changes

Reappraisal Process – Application Required

Pursuant to Section 23.02 of the Texas Tax Code, we have submitted a request to the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (“FBCAD”) for reappraisal of all property located in LID 15 and LID 19 and damaged by the severe weather events related to Hurricane Harvey (“Harvey”).  Our goal, in making this reappraisal request, is for owners of damaged property to receive a prorated reduction in property taxes for the time period in which their property is damaged.

If you are interested in having your property reappraised, you must submit an application for reappraisal (the “Application”) as soon as possible to FBCAD.  The Application requires owner and property identification (including the property ID number, which is available on the FBCAD website) and evidence of property damage (photographs, insurance or contractor estimates, receipts for repairs, or FEMA documents).

The Application and related instructions can be found here:  http://fbcad.org/Forms-Submissions/Disaster-Reappraisal

FBCAD has not provided an estimate of time for its completion of the reappraisal, but we will provide an update when we know more.

How Taxes will be Calculated After Reappraisal

For reappraised property, the taxes for 2017 will be prorated based on the reappraised value.  This means that 2017 taxes will be assessed (i) prior to the property damage, on the assessed value as of January 1, 2017 and (ii) from and after the property damage through the remainder of 2017, on the reappraised assessed value.

Note that, per standard procedure, FBCAD will also reappraise all property values as of January 1, 2018.

Your 2017 LID Tax Bill

Your 2017 LID tax bill has been calculated using the January 1, 2017, assessed valuation.  It will not show any reduction based on a pending reappraisal.  2017 taxes will be due on January 31, 2018.

If your home is reappraised due to Harvey, you will be mailed a refund for any reduction in 2017 taxes as a result of the reappraisal.

Installment Payment Plan

Residents in LID 15 or LID 19, who have experienced Harvey-related property damage, may request an installment payment plan for their 2017 assessed taxes.  To take advantage of this option, the resident must submit a completed “Request for Installment Agreement for Property in Disaster Area for 2017 Taxes” (the “Installment Plan Request”), along with accompanying evidence of Harvey-related property damage (this includes pictures of damage, a FEMA or insurance claim sheet, or repair estimates).  The Installment Plan Request and first payment must be made by January 31, 2018.  A copy of the required Installment Plan Request can be found here.  If you have any questions regarding your LID taxes, please call Kristy Hebert at 281-499-1223 or visit http://www.taxtech.net/.

Riverstone LIDs – Installment Plan Request (PDF)