Residents press Plumas County over property tax assessments; supervisors say workshop likely in February or March

Several residents urged the Plumas County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 to act on recent property tax assessments and to give the public clearer information about how assessments and taxes are calculated. At least two commenters pressed the board to return to the topic with more public outreach and options, and Assessor Cindy Froggatt gave an update on appeal and value change activity.

"I think it's the bare minimum that our county understands how we are getting taxed and why we're getting taxed," said resident Ted Stout, who asked the county to make tax-payment options easier to find and said he had provided a spreadsheet showing historical assessments. Another speaker, identified in the record as Resident, told the board she was "disillusioned, pissed off, and ashamed" and said the board had not followed up on earlier promises to address assessment problems.

The county assessor, Cindy Froggatt, reported the office had received 44 appeals as of the morning of Feb. 4 and had reduced value for 37 parcels; 14 reductions had notices sent and one withdrawal form had been returned. On declining values, she said 72 had been submitted, 35 were denied and 37 reduced. Froggatt said the assessor's office will accept declining-value requests "until the end of this month."

Tax-collector and treasurer staff told the board they are moving tax-default paperwork through the system and that processes such as tax-sale minimum bids are being prepared for future board approval. The treasurer's office also said interest apportionment for pool participants is up to date and that the office is moving forward with a request for proposals for new investment advisers and an implementation of SymPro investment software to improve reporting.

Supervisors said they would consider a public-format response. "We'll look towards maybe the eighteenth. If not, maybe the, very first meeting in March," said Supervisor Hall when the suggestion of a public workshop was raised.

The board did not adopt a new policy or enact immediate relief on Feb. 4. Officials said next steps could include a publicly noticed workshop or an agenda item at a future regular meeting that would allow the assessor and treasurer to explain assessment calculations, appeals processes and payment options directly to residents.

Residents who raised the issue during public comment said they plan to provide documentation and follow up with the board; the assessor reiterated the office will continue processing appeals and declines through the dates given.