Lutz said they depend on where properties are located and what governments serve those properties. City properties generally pay more in taxes than properties in unincorporated areas, added Lutz. The maximum assessed value is set by Measure 50, and in most cases is 1995 real market value minus 10 percent, plus a 3 percent per year increase. Since quite a bit of appreciation has occurred since 1995, over 90 percent of properties are taxed on the maximum assessed value. An exception to the rule would be the beachfront Capes development, in between Netarts and Oceanside, where the real property value dropped considerably, due to stability concerns.
Locals have three options on paying their property taxes.
More than 80 percent will choose to pay in full by Nov. 15, and get a 3 percent discount. Or property owners can pay a third of their taxes on Nov. 15, and Feb. 15 and May 15, 2001. Approximately 5 to 6 percent of the taxes are delinquent from last year, a typical amount, said Lutz. Properties where taxes have not been paid for three years are subject to foreclosure, and if they remain unpaid, in due time, the county will take them over, said Lutz. Those who believe their property values are higher than what the property is really worth should contact the Assessor's Office, in Tillamook County Courthouse, or call 842-3400, said Lutz.