Residents press commissioners on homelessness, property taxes and tribal outreach; chair clarifies liaison role

Several public speakers used the commissioners forum on April 28 to press the board on homelessness trends, property taxes and outreach to tribal governments.

Mark Curtis of SWAG asked whether harm‑reduction and homelessness services draw people to Clallam County. Commissioner French said he starts from a null hypothesis, is not convinced there is an organized busing program that brings people here and recommended focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame. "I am not convinced that that's the case in all of my years in public life," the commissioner said, while acknowledging the sheriff has reported increased encounters with out‑of‑county individuals.

On property taxes, residents complained the 30‑day challenge period for property valuations constrains working people; commissioners and staff explained the assessor handles valuations and noted larger tax drivers such as school levies and hospital levies can raise property tax bills.

Jeff Tomser asked the board to follow up with a Jamestown tribe about contributions to property and lodging taxes. The chair declined at the moment when asked, replying "No" to whether he would personally follow up; later in the forum he stated he serves as the county liaison to the Jamestown tribe and discussed the need for respectful, government‑to‑government conversations. The chair emphasized that tribal governments are sovereign and that conversations about contributions and partnerships should respect that status.

No formal policy action or referral resulted from these comments; residents asked for continued engagement and clarity on who will follow up.