A Truely Taxing Situation

Paul Bettencourt was our guest speaker this week...talking about property taxes and the economy in the Houston area.

Paul noted that property taxes for all taxing entities in Texas have doubled over teh past decade. He feels that the best way for an individual or a business to control their property taxes is to continually challenge the taxing entity by protesting your property value. You have only one opportunity to file a protest each yearin Texas: by May 31st or 30 days after you receive your Property Tax Notice.

Historically in a recession period property valuations have dropped. Houston is somewhat more resistent to this than are other parts of the country. But Paul expects there to be valuation adjustments in many of the market areas around Houston.

For more information visit http://www.btanow.com/

Guests, Visitors and Other Good News

Visiting with us again this week from the West U Club was Johnny Miller. Come again, any time!

Paul Bettencourt introduced us to Garrett Graham, who does business development for Betterncourt Tax Advisiors.

President Bola did double duty this week - with two rounds of "Happy Birthday" to recognize the birthday boys: Ken Marsh, Ade Stephen and Greg Gregory.

Delores Delsing reported that the club and the district have shown membership increases this year. Now the major effort is not only to grow memebrship...but to retain membership.

Club Celebration & Installation

Saturday, June 26th is the club's year end/year beginning celebration - and - the installation of the new officers and directors forthe 2010-2011 Rotary Year. The event will take place at the Hilton Houston Southwest (our weekly home) at 6:30 PM. The tickets are $30 per person and we will be selecting menu items prior to the meeting on June 22nd. You will get an email later this week with more details.

Please let Archie know if you will be attending and if you will bringing any guests.

Coming Up At Rotary