By Trisha Garcia
July 19, 2025
Cuero Online News remains committed to seeking clarity, verifying facts, and ensuring that all voices—especially those of concerned property owners—are heard. As questions swirl around recent staffing changes at the DeWitt County Appraisal District (DCAD), we continue to advocate for the transparency our community deserves.
What The Cuero Record Reported
In its July 8 article, The Cuero Record dismissed public concerns as “unfounded,” quoting Chief Appraiser Denise Moore. Moore confirmed the termination of an employee, citing personal reasons unrelated to any external audit or agency review. The article also emphasized:
- Pritchard & Abbott’s mineral rights hearing was standard procedure and had no link to the appraisal office.
- The Texas Comptroller’s Office has no reports or investigations into DCAD.
- The State Auditor’s Office has no jurisdiction over appraisal districts and would not investigate DCAD.
What Cuero Online News Reported
Our reporting on June 28 and June 29 presented a different picture:
- We identified the departure of a senior official—confirmed by DCAD only after publication.
- We made repeated attempts to contact DCAD for comment prior to publication but received no reply.
- Our articles documented community tips about irregular procedures and valuation concerns.
- We highlighted discrepancies between official statements and observed activity at the DCAD office.
Notably, Cuero Online News never stated that DeWitt County had oversight over the appraisal district. Our reporting centered on transparency, staffing changes, and procedural clarity—areas where the public deserves straightforward answers.
A New Concern: Property Values on Employee Homes
During our investigation, Cuero Online News received a tip from a reliable community informant suggesting that property values may have been altered for homes owned by some DCAD employees throughout the past several years. Although this tip remains unverified, we believe it’s a matter worthy of public awareness.
Rather than file a formal public records request—which would delay community clarity—we are publishing this concern openly. The ball is now in DCAD’s court to clarify the facts for the public, not just for the press. In light of attempts to discredit our previous reporting, protecting the integrity of our coverage is essential—not just for our outlet, but for the community voices we represent.
Why This Matters
- The appraisal district directly affects tax burdens and housing affordability for DeWitt County residents.
- Staffing changes and valuation concerns are not minor internal matters—they shape the financial reality of families and small businesses in Cuero and beyond.
- When public institutions deflect transparency, the role of journalism is not just to inform—but to persist.
Cuero Online News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as new information becomes available. We welcome open dialogue with DCAD and encourage residents to share concerns or tips that deserve daylight.
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