On October 20, 2019 while many were absorbed in the Cowboys vs. Eagles game, an EF-3 tornado crept its way towards the North Dallas and Richardson area. With winds reaching up to 180mph, several homes and businesses were damaged, including a Lake Highlands Home Depot store.
At the November 5th meeting of the Dallas County Commissioner’s court, a motion was made to allow the Dallas Central Appraisal District (CAD) to reappraise the homes and businesses that suffered damage. A perk, and bit of relief, for property and business owners in the Dallas area, is that no footwork will need to be done on their end; the process is automatic and will cost nothing. If property and business owners have already paid their bill, they will be refunded. The Dallas CAD’s decision to reappraise homes and businesses does not reflect the decisions of other entities reflected on yearly tax bills.
Some Dallas Independent School District (DISD) schools were greatly affected by the tornadoes and some were left in complete disrepair and students had to be relocated. Students and teachers from Walnut Hill Elementary, Cary Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School benefitted from school supplies drives held by Allstate Insurance and donations from Michaels craft stores. The Allstate Foundation awarded Dallas ISD a $40,000 grant to aid in the future of rebuilding the three schools. Michaels craft stores presented each of the schools with a $10,000 check. Reliant Energy contributed $25,000 for teachers who worked many hours to set up classrooms for students transitioning to new campuses
