Assessor outlines property-inspection schedule, staffing changes and levy drivers; flags a large current-use removal

Larry Gelman, Okanogan County assessor, gave a detailed quarterly update covering field inspections, staffing changes, a large current‑use agriculture removal, and a primer on how county levy rates are calculated.

Gelman said the county is completing annual assessments in six physical‑inspection areas and will mail change‑of‑value notices on May 30; the taxpayer appeal period will follow the same schedule with an effective start around July 1. He reported an internal promotion: Lacey Ralston moved into a drafting position and the office has posted a transfer‑clerk (senior clerk) vacancy starting at roughly $20.21 per hour (county grade 18). The assessor also said residential senior appraiser Scott Suter intends to retire May 30 and that the office plans to advertise and, if needed, overlap a new hire to allow a month of training.

On current‑use agricultural assessments, Gelman described an active removal case for a parcel that has not met the state’s operating requirements; he estimated the removal would generate roughly $235,000 in taxes and penalties (plus interest at the rate discussed in the meeting). He explained the statutory rule as discussed in the session: qualifying agricultural use typically requires operation 3 out of 5 years and that 1970‑era statutory language governs removals and interest assessments.

Gelman reviewed county levy changes and drivers: he said a clerical error by King County in its prior report caused a statewide adjustment that increased the state school levy for many counties, and he gave local examples of school‑district levy changes that drive taxpayer bills. He noted some school districts in the county had voter‑approved increases that materially raised levy rates — citing a district described in the meeting as Med Haul Valley (the transcript spelling varied) where combined state/local changes produced a roughly $0.46 per‑$1,000 increase; Gelman exemplified that a $500,000 house in that district could see about a $160 change in school taxes alone under the combined changes discussed. He also walked commissioners through the mechanics of levy calculation (previous year levy, 1% increase, new construction, utilities adjustments, and statutory maximums) and said the assessor’s office performs cross‑checks and audits on rates before certification.

Gelman asked commissioners to consider statutory and county‑policy changes to the open‑space / open‑space program (county code) that can prevent unintended penalties for landowners; he said he will prepare a written proposal with recommendations. He also reviewed other legislative items affecting assessors and said his office is tracking approximately 47 bills this session, with a mix of support, opposition, and neutral positions.

The board asked clarifying questions during Gelman’s presentation; he said his door is open for further discussion and that he would provide a write‑up on suggested changes to the county’s open‑space program.