In February 2022, Patti Abbott resigned her position as Dickens County chief appraiser after serving the county for 14 years. Abbott left Dickens CAD with well wishes, as she had accepted a new position with the state comptroller’s office in the property tax assistance Division as a methods and assistance program reviewer (MAP Reviewer).
Abbott began her career in neighboring King County as chief appraiser before settling down in Dickens, Texas, with her husband, Larry Abbott. In 2008, the position of Dickens County chief became available, and Abbott was hired based on her existing certifications. Although she needed to continue her education to achieve an RPA Level III (egistered Professional Appraiser) with the State of Texas and TDLR, she was able to do while performing her duties.
During her time with Dickens, Abbott worked with the state comptroller’s office annually for review. The in-office MAP Review consists of a reviewer spending three to four days in the office requesting and reviewing documents that ensure policies, procedures, mapping systems, customer service, websites, reappraisal plans, tax codes, and legislative updates are being followed. Based on this review, each CAD receives a pass or failure and recommendations.
Abbott said she is thrilled to report that Dickens CAD received excellent reviews every year, but not without due regard. She explained that she credits this MAP review with helping her learn the appraisal system and that over the years, each reviewer who came to Dickens CAD was extremely helpful, demonstrating an impressive job and work ethic. Abbott hopes that in her new position as one of only 14 re viewers in the state, she is able to help other appraisal districts.
In her withdrawal from the local appraisal district, Abbott expressed gratitute for being able to leave her position in the hands of the new Dickens County chief appraiser, Vonda Brendle.
“There are not enough words to express the respect, admiration and confidence I have in and for our new chief appraiser,” Abbott said. ”She is smart and fair and excels in customer service.”
Brendle has worked with Abbott in the CAD office for 12 years. With new legislation, Brendle had to achieve her RPS Level III prior to taking her new position and worked to do so in the midst of the Covid pandemic, among other obstacles. Abbott is “extremely proud of her and the Board of Directors for putting their trust in her.” Her hope is that the people of Dickens County will treat Brendle with respect and kindness always, trusting that there is an explanation, law and/or tax code if you will just take the time to ask or educate yourself.
The comptroller’s website under the property tax assistance division offers a world of information regarding appraisal districts, property taxes, as well as the results of each county’s property value study and MAP review in current and previous years.
As her final well wishes to those she has worked with in the Dickens CAD over the years, Abbott states, “I would like to thank the Dickens County Appraisal District board of directors for allowing me to be your chief for 14 years. I appreciate the officials and employees of each taxing entity that I have had the privilege to work for and with: Dickens County, Spur ISD, Patton Springs ISD, City of Spur, City of Dickens and WCID.”
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