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Resident raises concern about sharp tax increases on timberland; county urged to review classification
Summary
A constituent told the county committee that changes in state assessment classifications have sharply increased taxes on timberland, and asked the county to investigate statutory changes and whether affected owners can appeal or enroll in management programs to avoid higher assessments.
During the public comment period, a resident raised concerns that state assessment rules reclassified timberland and sharply increased property taxes for unimproved wooded parcels.
The commenter said the change stems from a publication and statutory change he referenced as "publication 135" and a statutory change in 2022 that took effect for tax bills paid in 2024. He described an example in which taxes per acre rose from $1.49 in 2020 to $70.43 in 2024 and $75.40 most recently for a roughly 20‑acre parcel. The speaker said the classification change appears to move parcels from a "wooded transition farm" code to a "vacant lot land residential" taxable code, which produced a much higher assessed value.
The resident urged the county to look into the statute and consider contacting state representatives. County officials responded that assessment rules and classifications are governed by state statute and the county assessor follows state law; staff advised the property owner that appeals or enrollment in forest or conservation management programs may be options. Deb and Pam (county staff referenced in the discussion) said the assessor must follow state statutes and that affected property owners likely must pursue remedies at the state level if they wish to challenge classifications.
County members committed to follow up by checking applicable statutes and encouraging the landowner to pursue an appeal if appropriate. One committee member suggested the county could assist by reviewing the matter and, if necessary, contacting state representatives for clarification. No formal action or vote occurred on the issue during the meeting.
