Assessor comments on commission's action

To The Eagle:

I am extremely disappointed with the actions taken by the Wahkiakum Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) today (Tuesday). It is unfair to the taxpayers of Wahkiakum County.

I ran for assessor in order to improve the services delivered by the assessor’s office to the citizens and taxpayers of Wahkiakum County. I had hoped to have the opportunity to utilize the resources in my budget to address the many severe problems left to me in my office. It seems quite reasonable to use the funds in Professional Fees to obtain the help needed to address the many incorrect tax bills that have been sent. Evidently, I was wrong.

I am not sure what to tell people whose tax bills are out of whack. Many people have asked what they should do with tax bills that are so high that they cannot begin to pay even one half. I will work with the Treasurer to address these concerns.

I will try to work with the BOCC to ensure that the Assessor’s office is in compliance with State law. Toward that end, the State Department of Revenue will begin a performance audit by the end of this month. I look forward to sharing their findings and suggestions with the BOCC and, most importantly, with the public.

Bill Coons

Wahkiakum County Assessor