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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 17, 2013)
area news october17 2013-14 Columbia County Property Tax Statements The 2013-14 Columbia County Assessment and Tax Roll has been certified and property tax bills will be mailed on October 11, 2013 to Columbia County property owners. Property owners are invited to attend a short presentation on Oregon’s Property Tax System and the Assessor will be available to answer questions on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 6:30 PM and again on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 2:00 PM. These events will be held at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex in the Main Floor Meeting Room. Between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013, real market values for residential properties countywide increased an average of 2%. Residential properties within the City of Clatskanie had the highest average increase at 15% while properties within the City of Vernonia experienced the largest average decrease at 23%, although this average reflects a steep drop in properties located within the flood zone. There were two new local option levies approved by voters this year. Property owners within the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District will pay an additional $1.2533 per $1,000 assessed value to the CRFPD for the next five years for operational costs to improve services. City of Prescott property owners will pay an additional $2.15 per $1,000 assessed value for the next ten years for an arsenic removal/ filtration system. Property tax statements for residential properties in Warren, Deer Island and the rural Saint Helens areas will reflect real market values changes due to a reappraisal for the 2013-14 tax year. This reappraisal consisted mainly of curbside inspections by registered county property appraisers unless major changes were noted that required a more detailed inspection. A total of $59,043,665 in property taxes are being billed for the county, cities, schools and special districts. That amount is 7.71 percent more than was billed last year. In addition, a total of $1,237,600 will be collected for such things as drainage district assessments and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire patrol special assessments. That amount is 6.22 percent higher than last year. Countywide, the market value of all taxable property increased from $5.49 billion to $5.71 billion, an increase of 4.00 percent. The total tax assessed value this year is $4,411,299,852 or 6.73 percent higher than last year. MESO Appoints Columbia County Business Services Consultant Microenterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) has appointed Casey Wheeler as the Business Services Consultant for Columbia County. He has over 30 years of experience in dealing with financial institutions, not-for- profits, non-profits and small businesses. Nita Shah, Executive Director of MESO, stated that “The organization is excited to have someone with the diverse background that Casey brings to the position.” This is a grant funded position. MESO’s clients engage in a wide array of economic activities that include frozen baked goods, child care services, video production services, beauty products, art, automotive services, marketing services, and a variety of other goods and services. MESO’s uniqueness in business development is based on the philosophy of customizing support to the needs of the business. They believe you cannot mass produce businesses. Building a strong foundation will stabilize and grow the businesses to become successful. They recognize the complex and multi-level problems experienced by entrepreneurs and offer support services in an integrated manner. In his role, Wheeler will serve as the initial point of contact for individuals and small businesses looking to access the services of MESO. The purpose of MESO is to broaden economic opportunities for under served entrepreneurs by providing business support to increase growth in income, assets, and business skills. Wheeler stated “I am looking forward to helping expand and enhance MESO services within Columbia County as there is a great need for these types of services.” In addition to the training and IDA program, MESO has served as a SBA Micro-lender. For more information about the programs available please visit the website at http://mesopdx.org/. The first payment of the tax bill is due on Friday, November 15, 2013. 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. Since the courthouse county offices are closed on Fridays, property owners should be sure to mail their payment with a postmark no later than November 15. A return envelope will be included with the statements. For payments that are made using a bank’s bill pay service, the tax account number should be noted in the memo field. The second and third installments are due by February 18, 2014 and May 15, 2014, however the County does not send out a statement or a reminder notice for the February or May due dates. Columbia County is once again providing a way to pay property taxes with E-checks and credit and debit cards through the Point & Pay website. Property Tax payments can be made with your E-checks and credit and debit cards on-line at www.co.columbia.or.us, REQUEST TOWING SERVICE FROM or by calling 1-866-587-4007. There is a 2.5% charge to use your credit or debit card and a flat fee of $2.95 for E-checks. This year, arrangements have been made with the St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union located in Scappoose, Saint Helens and Rainier as an authorized collector for the County to collect only the 2013-14 property tax payments through November 15, 2013. 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, there would only be a reduction in the taxes due if the market value falls below the assessed value. The deadline for filing an appeal is December 31, 2013. Appeal forms are available from the County Clerk or County Assessor’s Office, or can be found online at www.co.columbia.or.us/ departments/assessors-office/assessors- property-tax-appeals-and-review. After school program: Tuesdays from 3:45-4:45 pm. Stories, snack and a craft/activity. Program is suited for K-5th grade. Lego Club: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 3:45-4:45 pm. Come build a sculpture for all to enjoy! Your sculpture will be on display at the Vernonia Public Library for approximately 2 weeks before being used again for the next program. Program is suited for K+ and families are welcome! Lego’s are pro- vided. Please do not bring Lego’s from home unless they are for donation. Stamp Club: Every 1st Thursday of the month from 4:30-5:30 pm. Learn about the art of collecting, buying and trading postage stamps. Come check out our large treasure chest of stamps ready for you to start your collection with! Program is suited for K+ and families are welcome! All programs are free of charge. Vernonia Public Library 701 Weed Ave. Vernonia, OR 97064 503-429-1818 http://www.vernonia-or.gov/living/recreation/library.asp Terry’s Gym Hunting Season is here! Archery Equipment - Sporting Goods Calls - Cammo - Boots - Accessories Binoculars - Scent Killers - Targets Family owned & operated for over 40 years Shop Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 6:00 7 We offer regular programming for youth in the community! FOR TOWING EMERGENCIES IN AND AROUND THE VERNONIA AREA Polife and County personnel are required to use a rotation of available providers, UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY ASK for a servife by name. 2013 834 Bridge St, Vernonia 503-429-6364 JOIN THE TEAM! 503-901-1705 16720 Noakes Rd. Vernonia
