PRESS RELEASE
Dec 7, 2001

As local taxing districts (Cities, Fire Districts, Port Districts, PUD and Schools) work up their 2002 budgets they are once again being assisted by Sharon Floyd in the Assessor’s Office. Most district budgets rely almost exclusively on property tax collections for needed revenue. The recently passed citizen Initiative 747 has changed the rules for determining the appropriate level of property tax collections for each district. The taxpayers and taxing districts of Kitsap County are fortunate to have the services of Ms Floyd who has been the Kitsap County Levy Analyst since 1981 and is recognized statewide for her expertise in this complex matter.

I-747 essentially limits any increase in year-to-year, district-by-district property tax collection to 1% unless district voters authorize a larger increase. Ms Floyd, however, wants everyone to know that some districts are able to increase next year’s amount collected by more than 1%. Since 1986 districts, which did not collect the maximum allowed 6% increase, could in most cases save the amount below 6% for a “rainy day”. This “banked capacity” or “highest allowable levy” is the base line levy amount that the new I-747 1% limit is to be applied against.

According to Ms Floyd the most frequently asked questions about property tax levies are:

1. Why did my property value go up more than 6% (1% under I-747)? Answer: The assessed valuation of individual property does not and should not relate to a district’s spending capacity and/or needs. Assessed value is used as a distribution mechanism only. The state constitution requires that one’s share of the property tax burden is to be based on the market value of property owned.
2. Why did my tax bill increase more than 6% (1% under I-747)? Answer: It could be any of the following reasons:
   Taxing District has “banked capacity” (see discussion above)
   Many special property tax levies (school and parks etc.) are approved by voters at specified amounts. These are not subject to either the old 6% or new 1% rules.  An individual property owner’s value increased percentage-wise more than the neighbors due to new construction, remodeling, or unique property demand.
3. Is there anything to prevent me from being taxed out of my house? 3673 Kitsap County property owners receive significant tax relief via the Senior/Disabled Exemption program. Taxpayers who are over 61 or disabled and whose family income is less than $30,000 should contact the assessor at 337-7160.
4. What can I do to lower my property taxes? Answer: Get involved with your local government. All taxing districts hold frequent public meetings where levels and quality of service are the main topic of discussion. Surprisingly few citizens attend these meetings. All decision makers are elected by the citizens from the district for which the decisions are made.

For additional information on any of the above please call Jim Avery at 337-7085 or Sharon Floyd at 337-7091.