Assessors Out in the Field on Orcas

Liz Hance, out in the field, appraising Orcas East properties

San Juan County Assessors have begun the process of physically assessing properties on the east side of Orcas Island. Since last month, Chief Appraiser John Kulseth and his staff of four appraisers are examining tax parcels on eastern Orcas Island, Eastsound, Sucia, Obstruction, Clark and Barnes Islands.

This is the first time the Orcas properties have been re-evaluated since 2008. Recently, San Juan County decided that properties will now be re-evaluated annually, instead of on the three-year schedule that was formerly in place.

Property tax statements were mailed on Feb. 15, with the first half of taxes due on April 30.

County Assessor Charles Zalmanek explains in a booklet available to all property owners, “The Assessor’s primary duty is to determine the value of all taxable real and personal property for the purpose of equitable tax distribution for the various taxing districts.”

There are 14 categories of taxing districts in San Juan County, including the State Levy, county roads, port, fire, cemetery, school, library, park & recreation, hospital, emergency medical services, and utilities. The County’s distribution of these taxes amounts to $42,473,866 in 2013.

There are exemption programs that provide property tax relief to qualifying applicants, such as Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons and owners of property in land preservation programs.

According to Zalmanek, “If you think the assessment does not reflect the market value of your property, you should consult the Assessor’s Office. You may petition for a hearing before the County Board of Equalization by July 1 or within 30 days of the mailing of the reevaluation notice, whichever is later.”

The Assessor’s office may be contacted through the Assessor’s web page at   https://sanjuanco.com/assessor/default.aspx , or by email at assessor@sanjuanco.com or by calling 378-7172.

The assessors are expected to complete their work on Orcas Island in June.