Why So Many Protests in Tarrant County

The number of protests per county have increased dramatically, but why has Tarrant increased so much more than other counties? The issue is gaining attention.

Here are the numbers. This is the percentage increase per county since 2015:

"Harris County 11%

Bexar County 27%

Travis County 36%

Dallas County 50%

Tarrant County 265%!!!

Seriously? What's up with that?"

(Posted on Facebook by TAD Board Member Rich DeOtte)

Here is a link to his research

I've been trying to objectively consider this. 

Increased protests may be an indication of a good thing or bad thing. 

Regardless, I wholeheartedly agree that answering the question about the cause of increased protests is among the most important tasks that TAD can focus on, and it is of high public interest. TAD is considering an audit to reveal the cause.

Positive Perspective:

TAD has received glowing reports/audits of various kinds (eg financial, cyber security). If TAD's increased protests are an indication of uniquely good appraisal practices, they should be proud and wear their protest numbers as a badge of honor because they are doing a public service by helping owners that are being mistreated because of the flawed property tax code that TAD is forced to abide by. 

Negative Perspective:

If you believe the Tidwell Weaver audit, the increase could be evidence of a persisting significant dysfunction that cannot be ignored. 

These are the theories I've heard that people have used to explain the increase. I can easily dismiss many, however until someone seeks to find the answer, nobody will really know:

1. Instant answer/automated protest made available by TAD
2. More Agents protesting significantly more than other counties
3. Chandler Crouch protesting for free
4. More advertising/advocating promoting protesting
5. Tarrant starting earlier contributes to more attention
6. More properties are valued incorrectly compared to other counties 
7. Residual effects of 2014/15 software debacle (perhaps people lost trust causing a spike)
8. Its easier to win in Tarrant so the success of reductions attract more protesters
9. ARB panels are friendlier
10. TAD does a great job being more organized, accessible, and educational
11. It's not actually higher in Tarrant, we just count them differently
12. 2015/16 low values caused TAD to overcorrect which created a shock effect that motivated property owners (if true, watch out in 2021. ouch)
13. Property values have increased more in Tarrant than other places

Why do you think so many more people protest in Tarrant County than anywhere else?