Tax Assessor Gets Chuckle Out Of "Hate Mail"

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FORT WORTH (CBS11) – Tarrant County taxpayers have taken up an interesting and somewhat comical way to protest what they believe are high property taxes.

Ron Wright, the Tax Assessor in Tarrant County says he keeps a collection of dozens of letters and memos attached to tax payments from angry residents.

Last year he says his office collected more than $3 billion in taxes.

"Not liking taxes is very American, and we realize that when we get these," said Wright. "We take them in stride. We don't take them personally."

Wright showed CBS11 the notes directed at him and his office.

One letter was addressed to "Tax Suckers."

Another refers to Wright as the leader of the communist party. Most of them however, play on the words "In God We Trust" which are printed on the envelopes.

One letter had the motto to be edited to read, "In God We Trust, but keep an eye on Ron Wright."

Wright chuckled at that one saying, "They should. I collect more than $3 billion in taxes so they should keep an eye on me."

Other notes or memos are a little more vulgar and Wright says he just ignored those, but the clever ones he says he appreciates.

"It's very clear that they are frustrated with their property taxes," said Wright.

Although his office gets most of the "protest mail," Wright points out neither he nor his staff set the tax rates. He says that's all done by the appraisal district and the elected officials who vote on tax increases.

"My advice is to engage those elected officials, engage city council members and let them know how you feel," said Wright.

In the meantime Wright plans on continuing to collect checks and chuckle at the notes that sometimes come with the payments.

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