Real Frisco

Mayor Maso Games System to Save 280k in Property Tax

This is a news release from the Tom Smith Campaign. We have verified the Land Values and Tax Amounts are accurate. We are refraining from any other comment at this time:

Mayor Maher Maso faces serious tax and ethics questions surrounding a large tract of land owned by his company, CMTEX, near Eldorado Parkway within the City of Frisco.  Maso’s company purchased the 14.26 acre tract in 2006 for nearly $ 4 million and immediately claimed an agricultural exemption on the property.  In 2010 the property was valued at $3.4 million, and Maso’s tax bill on the property was a scant $62.25.  Maso has claimed an agricultural exemption each of the last 4 years.  

"Maso’s tax bill on the property was a scant $62.25."

“This is shocking,” said Smith.  “Mr. Maso is gaming the system. To pay a total tax bill of $62.25 on a parcel of land worth millions demonstrates a blatant disregard for tax laws and ethical principles.  It is especially disappointing from a public servant who has been in office for over a decade.”   

“Hundreds of Frisco residents drive by this land every day.  They can see there is no farming taking place on it.  For Mr. Maso to proactively seek an exemption on this property raises serious ethical and legal issues, and I call upon the proper authorities to launch an immediate investigation.” 

Were the property subjected to normal tax laws, the tax liability on the land would be over $72,000 per year.  The total potential tax liability for the past 4 years would be over $280,000.  When questioned about it in a candidate forum on April 29, Maso stated that he “had paid his fair share of taxes” on the property.