I read Bob Greenwald’s June 10 letter “Valuation doesn’t add up.” My former father-in-law worked in the assessor’s office. His job was riding in a county car looking at homes to re-evaluate the condition. If a house wasn’t maintained on the outside, and appeared run-down and lacking upkeep, he would make a note as to condition and take a picture of the home. Greenwald probably lives in a home that he has maintained as well as his neighbors have.
So why the 30 percent increase this year? Our assessor campaigned as an advocate for major changes to our taxes. Age should be a factor on all homes and depreciation should be applied accordingly by year built. My new assessed valuation increased to almost sales value, and a run-down house will be depreciated. The old saying is still true today, “being taxed out of house and home.” It will get worse for all on fixed incomes to keep their homes without using retirement money to pay the taxes. Our assessor broke his promise. Our county needs to work on a fixed budget.
Marlin Dunlap
Vancouver
