To: The Washington State House, The Washington State Senate, and Governor Jay Inslee
Property Valuation for Taxation
Legislators: make clearer the details of appraisal. There are many loopholes, and poorly written laws. Consider simplification of property taxation to follow purchase price plus an annual inflation factor for the local geographic area of similar values. Enforcement: Uphold the existing laws, including fulfillment of Public Records Requests (largely ignored by our Assessor). Judicial: Provide assistance (similar to family law) to the landowner taking a State Appeal on to the Superior Court.
Why is this important?
Property valuation for taxation, by the Island County Assessor's Office, is very inaccurate, violates WA Statutes, and doesn't follow industry accepted appraisal practices. It also demonstrates favoritism (and the opposite if one dares to fight the system). I purchased a pacel for 50% of the Assessed valuation due to severe eagle encumbrance. I couldn't build on 58% of my land, nor clear trees for any view. The Assessor refused to adjust their erroneous, simplistic valuation. The County valuation appeal system is just as corrupted. The State appeal system is only slightly better. When I talk with others, they have similar complaints. The system must be im,proved!