10/31/2024
What are the responsibilities of the Assessor's Office?
Did you know that the Assessor's Office is comprised of 3 sections? Cartography, Records, and Appraisal.
Cartography maintains the county maps by processing partition plats and lot line adjustments as well as updating ownership when deeds record. Cartography works closely with the public by researching deeds, ownership and verifying legal descriptions.
Our front office staff process the exemptions programs, assists the Chief Appraiser with the farm and forest special assessments, and processes Business Personal Property. They are also our first line of defense when it comes to answering the phone and helping at the counter. They do a great job helping where they can, and deciphering your needs to get the right person to help you.
Appraisal is responsible for visiting properties that take out permits for construction, reappraisal, sale reviews, and perform studies to determine local cost modifiers and trends to apply to our values. During Tax Season they are in the office to assist the public with valuation questions and perform an informal value review. If we can't come to a resolution, we recommend a formal appeal to PVAB (used to be BOPTA). The Oregon Property Tax system is very complex and complicated. We spend a lot of time educating the public by explaining Measure 5 and Measure 50 and how that impacts them.
Once values are complete, tax rates are calculated, and taxes are imposed and certified, the Assessor hands off the tax roll to the Tax Office who is responsible for the printing of tax statements and the collection of property tax. The Assessor's office does not take in any property tax payments. Tax payments are handled only by the Tax Office.
This is a very high level overview of our responsibilities. Of course there is much more that goes into the work that we do. Our office has just 12 employees, including myself, the Assessor, to accomplish all of this every year. Every single person in my office works hard and takes pride in providing quality customer service - going the extra mile to ensure that everyone is heard and treated respectfully.
I hope this helps you understand a little more on the work that we do. We are here to serve you and look forward to meeting with you. If you are in the Courthouse, be sure to stop and say hi or wave as you walk by!
Send a message to learn more