The first elected officials to hold three new positions on the Tarrant Appraisal District board were sworn in Monday.
The newly elected members are Eric Morris, a 24-year-old former Haltom City council member in Place 1; Colleyville Mayor Pro Tem Callie Rigney in Place 2; and Matt Bryant, a real estate investor and former Southlake Carroll school district trustee, in Place 3.
All of the candidates were endorsed by County Judge Tim O’Hare, who administered the oaths Monday.
“This is a big moment for you. You all worked very hard during your elections, and this is a historic thing,” O’Hare said before leading in the swearing-in as the three new members placed their hands on a Bible.
After being sworn in, the trio took their seats with the other members of the appraisal district board. The district sets property values for tax purposes.
Only two board members, Rich DeOtte and Gloria Peña, were not in attendance.
The election brought the number of board members from six to nine. Four of the seats — the tax assessor-collector and the new three place members — are elected. Five are appointed from county taxing units.
The chief appraiser is hired and fired by the board.
O’Hare wasn’t the only county or state leader of note at the ceremony. Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn led the pledge of allegiance, and state Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, led the presenting of plaques to each of the three board elects.
“I just want to thank you for being willing to serve in such a time such as this,” Cook said.
Also attending was Rick Barnes, who narrowly won his primary against incumbent Wendy Burgess for tax assessor-collector. He will be running against Democrat K.C. Chowdhury in November.
Later in the meeting, O’Hare spoke again, thanking the three elects for stepping and being willing to serve despite the positions being unpaid.
“We need people to stand up. And thank you for being willing to do so,” O’Hare said.
