Change-of-Value Notices Mailed to Property Owners

(Port Orchard) – Change-of-value notices will be mailed to 94,575 Kitsap County residential property owners on June 17th. Most owners will see a 4-7% reduction in their January 1, 2010 assessed value when compared to the January 1, 2009 assessed value. The new values are also posted on the “Parcel Search” feature at the assessor’s homepage at www.kitsapgov.com/assr. Click on “assessor data” and “value history”.

Sales from January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 were analyzed in determining the January 1, 2010 assessed value. In the analysis sales prices were typically adjusted from the sale date to the January 1, 2010 appraisal date using a minus .5% per month trend factor. Sales used in the analysis are shown by neighborhood on the assessor’s webpage.

Property owners in Port Orchard and the Central Kitsap Urban Growth Area may see more variation in their change percentage. These properties received their required six-year physical inspection prior to the setting of this year’s value. Any property characteristic changes noted in that inspection are reflected in the new value.

Taxpayers in the typical 4-7% reduction range should not expect a corresponding reduction in next year’s taxes. Taxing districts (state, county, cities, fire, port and library districts) will continue to be allowed the 1% increase to their previous levy amount. Additionally voters in the South Kitsap, Bremerton, and Bainbridge School Districts have authorized school districts to increase their annual maintenance and operations levy by 3-5%. The Central Kitsap School District voters earlier this year approved a 15% increase to their maintenance and operations levy.

Those disagreeing with the January 1, 2010 estimate of market value will have sixty days to appeal to the County Board of Equalization. Potential appellants should first contact the assessor’s office at 360.337.7160 to review property characteristics and receive property specific valuation information. Information on property tax relief programs is also available.

To view a worksheet showing the typical residential assessed value changes by neighborhood within the county, click here.

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