Democrat Albert Uresti merits a second term as Bexar County tax assessor-collector.
A former firefighter, Uresti, 61, has made the office more customer-friendly and increased tax payment options for the elderly and those who don’t have escrow accounts with a mortgage lender.
The administrative changes are allowing people to avoid losing their homes due to delinquent taxes. He has extended the senior citizens payment plan from four to 10 months to allow them to spread their payments over a longer period. His office now also allows taxpayers to enroll in a tax prepayment plan so they can send in multiple payments before the balance on their annual tax statement is due.
During Uresti’s tenure, the office has recorded some of the highest tax collection rates. This has caused a 40 percent reduction in delinquent tax fees charged to taxpayers when a tax suit is filed.
Perhaps one of the most appreciated changes Uresti has made since becoming tax assessor-collector has been to provide seating and queuing systems at all tax office locations, eliminating the need to stand in line while waiting to step up to the service counter.
Uresti comes from a family with deep roots on the city’s South Side. Two of his siblings are also on the November ballot. His brother Sen. Carlos Uresti is seeking re-election. Another brother, Tomas Uresti, is running for state representative in District 118.
After retiring from the San Antonio Fire Department after 25 years of service and having attained the rank of district fire chief, Albert Uresti served in city administration in Pearsall, Alice and Cibolo.
The Bexar County Tax Office is a huge operation, collecting property taxes for the county and 49 other taxing entities. They include 21 municipalities, 11 school districts and 17 special districts. Uresti’s diverse professional background has been an asset. The tax assessor-collector is doing a good job and deserves to keep it.
Express-News Editorial
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