Lewis County homeowners challenge unfair property tax increases for short term rentals

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 11, 2025, highlighted significant concerns from residents regarding rising property taxes, particularly affecting homeowners and short-term rental operators.

During the meeting, several residents voiced their frustrations over recent property tax assessments that they deemed unfair and arbitrary. One resident, a senior citizen and combat veteran, expressed deep concern about being taxed out of her home after living there for over 34 years. She described the assessment process as lacking transparency and called for a clearer explanation of how property values are determined.

Another speaker, Laura Parker, who operates a short-term rental, criticized the county's assessment structure, which she claimed unfairly values short-term rental properties significantly higher than traditional residential properties. Parker reported a staggering increase in her property’s assessed value, which jumped from $740,000 to $877,000 in just one year, despite no corresponding rise in the local market. She argued that this disproportionate increase could deter investment in the community and harm local businesses that rely on tourism.

Debbie Reeser, a long-time resident of Packwood, shared her experience of escalating property values, which soared from $325,000 to $1.5 million in just a few years. She challenged the county's rationale for higher assessments on short-term rentals, stating that the financial burden was unsustainable and did not reflect the true market conditions.

Kimberly Anderson, another property owner, echoed these sentiments, noting that her property’s assessed value had increased by over 50% in four years. She raised questions about the fairness of separating short-term rental properties from other residential properties in the assessment process, suggesting that this practice leads to inflated valuations.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among residents about the impact of property tax assessments on their financial stability and the broader implications for the local economy. As the county continues to evaluate its assessment policies, residents are calling for a reassessment that reflects fair market values and considers the unique circumstances of short-term rental operators. The commissioners encouraged residents to engage with the Board of Equalization for further discussions on their concerns.