Assessor seeks extended closure days to clear backlog of senior-exemption applications

The Clallam County Assessor’s Office told commissioners April 14 it needs to keep a temporary reduction in public hours to allow staff time to process a backlog of roughly 500 senior-exemption applications and other incoming work.

Assessor Pam said the office shortened public hours earlier this year to give staff time to process returns and applications. That change helped answer phones but not to complete the volume of processing and scanning the office now faces. She said staffing losses, including a senior-exemption specialist, and a heavier legislative workload have left the office “buried.” The assessor recommended an indefinite change in public hours beginning with a three-month trial; she later said the office’s initial request was for three months but they remain backlogged.

Commissioners asked for a written plan that would show a timeline and milestones for restoring regular hours, and suggested discussing coordinated courthouse hours across departments at a county cabinet meeting so the public has consistent expectations. One commissioner said any permanent change should be accompanied by a clear plan and asked the assessor to identify what additional staffing would be required to execute core functions.

County participants noted consequences if the backlog persists: senior exemptions that remove value from the tax rolls can change taxing-district levies calculated on Jan. 1 values. The auditor’s office signaled concern that taxing districts may receive less revenue until adjustments are made after exemptions are processed. The assessor said the office was already reallocating appraisal staff and administrative staff to process applications and scanning, but that capacity is limited.

The board discussed passing a short extension formally (a one-month resolution to extend the temporary hours) so the office remains in compliance while the cabinet review is scheduled. The assessor confirmed notices on the office door still show the temporary hours adopted in January and that reopening had been delayed because of workloads.

Why it matters: Unprocessed senior-exemption applications affect both senior taxpayers (who risk receiving bills before exemptions are processed) and taxing districts that rely on levy calculations tied to property values. Staff shortages and additional legislative duties were cited as drivers of the backlog.

What’s next: Commissioners asked the assessor to return with a plan and for a cabinet discussion of coordinated courthouse hours; they signaled openness to temporary extensions but sought measurable milestones and consideration of restoring positions in future budget cycles.