The Pierce County Council will get a report next week on the county assessor’s ability to physically inspect properties as required by state law.
On Tuesday the council approved a measure directing its performance audit staff to analyze staffing and other resources at the assessor’s office in light of the recent revelation that the office skipped tens of thousands of inspections used to determine assessed values for property tax purposes.
The auditors will issue a preliminary report next Monday – a day before the council is scheduled to take final action on a budget ordinance that will affect funding for the assessor’s office and other county departments.
“The assessor has raised some important budget questions that we’ve got to get to the bottom of quickly,” said Councilman Shawn Bunney, R-Lake Tapps.
Earlier this month Assessor-Treasurer Dale Washam told the council that the office skipped more than 181,000 inspections of residential properties under his predecessor, Ken Madsen. He said the office also skipped tens of thousands of commercial inspections.
State law requires local assessors to physically inspect properties at least every six years. The inspections can help catch major improvements or deterioration that can affect property values.
As the council tries to cover an $8 million revenue shortfall, Washam’s office faces a 3 percent budget cut. He told the council that would hinder his efforts to address the backlog of uninspected properties.
Council members have asked the auditors to study staffing and workload in the assessor’s office. They’ll gather similar information from other local governments for comparison. And they’ll review state law to determine exactly what’s required of local assessors.
In light of budget cuts other departments are taking, some on the council wonder whether there’s room to trim the assessor’s budget and comply with state law.
“Generally speaking, I think government can tighten its belt,” Bunney said.
David Wickert: 253-274-7341
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