in case you missed it
november8
2011
County Assessment and Property Tax Bills Explained
experiencing decreased income due to the economy, a
review of market listings in Columbia County revealed
over 90% of businesses listed for sale are asking a
purchase price that is at or above the current real market
values on the county assessment rolls.
Due to the market decline and minimal new
construction in the county, there is very little change in
the total assessed value for most taxing districts. This
will result in a minimal increase, and in some cases,
a reduction in property tax revenue received by most
taxing districts during the 2011-12 fiscal year.
A total of $55,789,038 in property taxes are
being billed for the county, cities, schools and special
districts. That amount is 3.74 percent more than was
billed last year. In addition, a total of $1,044,608
will be collected for such things as drainage district
assessments and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s
fire patrol special assessments. That amount is 5.5
percent higher than last year.
Countywide, the market value of all taxable
property decreased from $5.72 billion to $5.48 billion,
a decrease of 4 percent. The total tax assessed value
this year is $4,085,273,311 or 2.30 percent higher than
last year.
The first payment of the tax bill is due on
Tuesday, November 15, 2011. At least one third of the
amount is due at that time. Payments can be made at
the tax office in the courthouse on Monday through
Thursday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00
PM. The courthouse county offices are closed to the
public on Fridays. For payments that are made using a
bank’s bill pay service, the tax account number should
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continued from page 16
be noted in the memo field. Payments that are mailed January 3, 2012. Appeal forms are available from the
need to be postmarked by the 15th. A return envelope County Clerk or County Assessors Office, or can be
will be included with the statements. The second and found online at www.co.columbia.or.us/departments/
third installments are due by February 15, 2012 and assessors-office.
May 15, 2012, however the County does not send out
statements for the February or May due dates.
Columbia County is once again
HUD OWNED Property for Sale
providing a way to pay property taxes with
$27,500
E-checks and credit and debit cards through
the Point & Pay website. Property Tax
1290 N Mist Dr, Vernonia
payments can be made with your E-checks
2 BD, 1 bath, approx. 1058 sq. ft.
and credit and debit cards on-line at www.
Cute interior, needs to be raised.
Try 203k loan. The money to raise the house and
co.columbia.or.us, or by calling 1-866-587-
sales price in one loan!
4007. There is a 2.95% charge to use your
(this loan for owner occupants only)
credit or debit card and a flat fee of $2.95 for
E-checks.
Seller will consider ALL OFFERS!
This year, arrangements have been
made with the St. Helens Community Federal
Credit Union (all branches) as an authorized
collector for the County to collect only the
2011-12 property tax payments through
November 15, 2011.
Property owners who pay the entire
amount due by November 15th will receive
a three percent discount. If two thirds of the
bill is paid by November 15th a two percent
discount of the amount paid will be allowed.
Property owners may appeal the value
of their property as in past years. However,
Carriage House Real Estate
there would only be a reduction in the taxes
503-739-3500
due if the market value falls below the assessed
value. The deadline for filing an appeal is
503-987-1411
