Multnomah County assessor highlights funding need for property reassessment clerks

In a recent Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting, a spotlight was cast on the pressing issue of property reassessment, revealing a stark contrast in practices among Oregon counties. As discussions unfolded, it became clear that some counties have not revisited properties for reassessment in over three decades, leaving many new constructions unassessed. This situation raises concerns about fair taxation and the accuracy of property values across the state.

Multnomah County's assessor highlighted a significant financial opportunity, stating that for every clerk hired, the county could potentially bring in an additional $15 million. This statement sparked questions about funding and staffing, as the current tax rate allocation—only 0.004%—is insufficient to cover the wages of these clerks. The disparity in resources among counties was evident, with some, like Curry and Douglas Counties, notably absent from the meeting despite their known struggles.

While counties like Lane and Clackamas have demonstrated a clear return on investment from their reassessment efforts, Polk County officials expressed confidence in their own practices. They noted that Polk County has maintained a robust reappraisal cycle, ensuring that all properties have been visited and assessed regularly, even after the implementation of Measure 50, which altered the reappraisal landscape for many counties.

As the meeting concluded, the conversation underscored the unique challenges faced by each county in Oregon. The need for adequate funding and staffing to ensure fair property assessments remains a critical issue, one that could shape the future of local governance and community resources in Polk County and beyond.