In a recent meeting of the Okanagan County Board of Equalization, significant discussions revolved around property valuations and easement disputes. The session featured a property owner, Mr. McNamee, who expressed concerns regarding the valuation of his 40-acre parcel, which he claimed had been adversely affected by a series of wildfires and lacked essential access and utilities.

Mr. McNamee highlighted that his property, which once boasted a creek and forested areas, had been severely impacted by the Carlton Complex fire in 2014, resulting in diminished value and usability. He argued that the lack of access roads and the disappearance of natural resources had rendered his land less desirable compared to other properties in the area, which had maintained road access and infrastructure.

The appraiser, Mr. Deere, countered Mr. McNamee's claims by stating that the valuation process considered recent sales data from 2020 to 2023, including properties that had also been affected by the fires. He noted that the average value per acre for comparable properties was around $3,500, which was used to justify the assessed value of Mr. McNamee's land at $140,000.

The discussion also touched on the issue of easements, with Mr. McNamee asserting that he had lost access rights to his property due to changes in neighboring land ownership. The board members acknowledged the complexities surrounding easements and advised Mr. McNamee to investigate further with the county auditor to clarify his rights.

Ultimately, the Board of Equalization voted to sustain the assessor's valuation, citing insufficient evidence from Mr. McNamee to support a lower property value. The decision underscores the challenges property owners face in navigating valuation disputes, particularly in areas impacted by natural disasters. Mr. McNamee was informed that he could appeal the decision to the State Board of Tax Appeals if he disagreed with the ruling.