When the going gets tough, don't close shop

OK, let me get this straight.

Residents are storming the Bonner County Assessor's Office to complain about an astronomical and unprecedented increase in property tax assessments.

The do-or-die deadline is Monday for property owners to file an appeal to the Board of Equalization to seek some relief.

Knowing the public is confused and angry right now and could use some guidance, does the assessor's office:

A) Expand hours to better meet the needs of the taxpaying public?

B) Have a special Saturday session at the Community Hall so that all of the residents who can't get through the always busy phone lines or don't have all day to stand in lines have a chance to meet an appraiser?

C) Announce that the office will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. (when most people have lunch and might go to the assessor's office) until July 3 and will close entirely on June 21 (this past Wednesday) and June 28 "so that staff can respond to property owners' requests for information."

If you guessed "C," you nailed it.

The assessor's office notified the Bee late Tuesday afternoon about closing on Wednesday. Our reporter saw the one-paragraph press release and wanted to know more.

We couldn't get in to see our county assessor because there was a line of people and we couldn't call … because the phones were busy.

When the going gets tough, the tough close up shop.

While I understand the pressure all of the appraisers are under, I have a hard time swallowing the fact that when we taxpayers need a little more help, the assessor's office shuts the door.

I also want to go on the record that I am in no way blaming the appraisers. They don't set the policies and it isn't their fault there were hundreds of parcels of land not assessed this year.

The folks at the front desk at the assessor's office and the commissioners' office should get raises, if you ask me.

I would hope there would be a state investigation into what is going on in the assessor's office. I have never witnessed such an abrogation of duty and the fact that there are hundreds of parcels of land here that still aren't assessed, cinches the deal for me.

Something decisive needs to be done. This game of politics between the county commissioners and the assessor's office has gotten completely out of hand and an adult needs to step in.

When we last spoke, I shared with you that I was unhappy with the huge increase in the assessment of my property.

I know I am not alone on that.

I live in Sandpoint in a nice neighborhood. I expect to pay property taxes for my home and property because that money goes to support schools, law enforcement, etc.

I get that part.

What I don't understand is the sudden, ridiculously high increases every property owner felt.

We met with our county appraiser, Lance Lane, last week in his very crowded office. He had nine inches of files on his desk. Phones were ringing off the hook.

While we were discussing our predicament, there was an older couple sitting next to us discussing their assessment.

It went like this. This couple has lived in the same home for decades. It isn't near water. It isn't in an upscale neighborhood. Its foundation is crumbling in the back. The house hasn't been painted in years.

It's value more than doubled in one year. Not for this couple, but in the eyes of the county.

These very senior citizens do their grocery shopping on their way home from church every Sunday because they can't afford gas. They are on fixed incomes that land way under $1,000 a month.

They are sure they can't afford to live in this home anymore. The wife had tears in her eyes. The husband's proud voice is trembling as he pleads his case in front of a genuinely caring appraiser.

All of the sudden my complaint doesn't seem all that important in the grand scheme of things.

The bottom line is this. Residents cannot physically contact the assessor's office by phone or now in person. The appraisers are swamped. The phone lines are jammed. Most residents don't want to wait in line at the assessor's office after reading stories about crowds, rude encounters, etc.

I urge every property owner to make one last attempt to contact the assessor. If you can't, by all means drop by the courthouse to pickup forms so you can state your case during the Board of Equalization. Remember, Monday is the deadline.

Once Tuesday comes it will be too late to appeal. That is state law.

There is talk of a special legislative session in August and September. It is my hope our state leaders listen to the howls of outrage coming from Bonner County and make some meaningful changes to the way property is assessed and taxed.

A one-time "rebate" isn't going to cut it. Ask the folks who represent you or want to represent you what they plan to do about it.

People will soon not be able to afford to live here. It would be a shame if our leaders didn't lead.

From what I hear, a special session will be worth the expense if:

? Full disclosure of real estate transactions becomes the law.

? There is immediate relief.

? That the maintenance and operations of schools be taken off property tax.

Last week's online poll question: "Do you feel your property tax assessment was fair?" There were 391 votes cast: 81 percent voted no, 19 percent voted yes.

This week's question: Do you feel the milfoil problem should be handled with chemicals? Vote at bonnercountydailybee.com.

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