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Residents press county on Grays River Flood Control District assessment errors; district disputes claims
Summary
Grays River property owners told the Wahkiakum County commissioners on Feb. 10 that parcels are still being assessed improperly; the Grays River Flood Control District director said the district is correcting mapping errors and 'collectively disagrees with the complaints that were stated.'
Judy Johnson, director of the Grays River Flood Control District, addressed the Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners during public comment to respond to complaints raised at a prior meeting. Johnson said the district is made up of elected volunteers and is working to correct its base map after finding assessment errors; she said a dozen parcels outside the district were assessed in error (offered refunds) and about 50 parcels that had been omitted have now been added. She said parcels split between lots remain under review and explained procedures for a landowner to opt out of the district.
Several Grays River residents disputed the district's account. Jon Thompson said multiple parcels remain improperly assessed, questioned the accuracy of GRFCD meeting minutes, and raised concerns that some property owners upstream are paying for downstream repairs. Jo Schnotala asserted the district is currently "taxing full parcels," a practice she called illegal. Carol Larson spoke in support of the GRFCD's goals and the work of the current board. The board said the county Prosecuting Attorney will review the raised issues.
Why this matters: The assessment roll determines which property owners pay district levies that fund emergency repairs to tide gates, dikes and culverts. Disputes over parcel boundaries and assessment eligibility affect both tax liability for property owners and the district's ability to respond to flood risks.
What happened next: Commissioners did not take immediate formal action on the complaints; the record shows the board referred the matter to the county Prosecuting Attorney for review. The GRFCD's efforts to correct mapping and assessment errors were described as ongoing.
