Clallam County evaluates public land ownership impact on tax revenue and county services

The Clallam County Commissioner’s Work Session held on July 28, 2025, focused on a comprehensive analysis of the county's demographics, land ownership, and the implications for public services. The session began with a presentation on the classification of midsize counties, defined as those with populations between 50,000 and 200,000. Clallam County ranks fourth in population among these counties, according to data from the Office of Financial Management and the Municipal Research and Services Center.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the geographical size of counties and the challenges this presents for service delivery. The Commissioner highlighted the importance of understanding the area covered by the county, particularly in relation to infrastructure maintenance and public service provision. The presentation included a comparison of land area among counties, noting that Clallam County has a substantial amount of land under federal ownership, including the Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest.

The Commissioner pointed out that property tax is a primary funding source for counties in Washington State, and the extent of public land ownership directly affects the taxable property base. Clallam County has approximately 35% of its land subject to property tax, a figure that does not account for city-owned properties or other tax-exempt lands. This percentage is relatively low compared to other counties, such as Skamania County, where only 11% of land is taxable.

The meeting also touched on historical data regarding public land ownership, referencing a 1999 inventory that has not seen significant changes in federal and state land holdings. However, tribal land ownership has seen more activity in recent years. The Commissioner noted the need for updated data on tribal lands, as this could provide valuable insights into land management and public service needs.

In conclusion, the session underscored the complexities of land ownership in Clallam County and its impact on public services. The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing evaluation of land use and ownership patterns to ensure effective service delivery to residents. The next steps involve further analysis of the data presented and potential outreach to tribal entities for updated information on land ownership.