2019-10-24 Prelim budget - 6 - Assessor2020 preliminary budget meeting: Assessor’s Office
October 24, 2019
2:05 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Fund (by phone), County Manager Erik Martin, Budget
Services Manager Becky Butler, Assessor Dianne Dorey, Chief Deputy Dave Campbell
Citizens Budget Committee members: Frank Corbin, Paul Crowner, Bill Kassen, Bill Marshall, Bill Serrahn
Other guest(s): Dr. Lindsey Pollock
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Becky Butler said the preliminary 2020 budget for the Assessor’s Office includes revenues totaling
$23,800 and expenditures totaling $1,886,100.
Assessor Dianne Dorey said she is facing a huge staffing shortage, noting that her entire mapping
specialist team quit within a three-week period. She said low pay is the root of her retention problems.
She noted that nine former employees have accepted positions in Thurston County for higher-paying
jobs.
Dianne explained how property valuation, property taxes, levies, etc., work. She described the Board of
Equalization appeal process.
Dianne explained where taxes, on average, go:
• 24.51 percent: Local schools
• 24.11 percent: State school
• 14.43 percent: County
• 13.50 percent: Roads
• 8.79 percent: Fire
• 3.68 percent: Cities and towns
• 3.24 percent: Library
• 3.34 percent: EMS
• 2.80 percent: Port
• 1.36 percent: Hospital
• 0.24 percent: Cemetery
The group discussed sales tax revenue and funding linked to new construction. They also discussed levy
lid lifts.
Meeting ended at 2:36 p.m.