77,067 taxable accounts were printed and mailed from Salem this month; a slight increase of 186 over last year. Total RMV or Real Market Value decreased 3% while the TAV Total Assessed Value increased 3%. Total taxes imposed were $92,649,973 or an increase of 2.2%

The taxes will be distributed to 110 active taxing districts which with shared boundaries create 214 different code areas. Douglas County will receive $8,871,489 up 3.8%; compression loss to the county is $44,979 which is an increase of $21,816 from last year.

The average tax rate is $10.14 or 3 cent increase, the lowest is $6.809 for portions of rural Roseburg and former Umpqua School districts, and the highest is $18.707 for codes 105.01 and 105.11 [City of Reedsport]

The impact of Measure 50 passed by citizens of Oregon in 1997 is illustrated by two studies we run each year;

A review of 52,989 unchanged properties county wide indicates that only 6% of them received an increased tax bill greater then $100.

An annual review of 16 residential properties scattered throughout the county indicate a 9.00% Decrease in Real Market Value [RMV] with a tax decrease of -0.28%. This compares to a 9.00% RMV decrease & a 2.75% tax increase last year.

These examples illustrate the stability of property taxes; a benefit to property owners but a limiting factor for the taxing districts which countywide will receive an increase in revenue from property taxes of 2.2% this year, compared to the 3.00% growth from the review of residential properties.

History of values, taxes and code area rates can be reviewed in our annual Tax Summary Report is available in full at our website at: Tax Rate & Valuation Summary Books

Tax payments are due by November 15th, full payments will receive a 3% discount, and installment options allow payments on Feb 15th and May 15th. Payment options included the return envelope included with tax bills to our drop box in Portland. Reedsport area residents can make payments at Umpqua Bank. Drop boxes will be in front of courthouse and just outside the Tax Office which is open 8 to 5, but at times can have a waiting line. This will be the third year for payment by credit or debit card; please visit the county website for directions as credit/debit payments can only be made online at: Pay taxes online

Questions regarding values should be directed to the Assessors Office at 541.440.4222 #1, an informal owner review process is available until early December. Appeals to Board of Property Tax Appeal are due by Dec. 31; the County Clerk will schedule formal hearings in February.