In a pivotal meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Revenue, rancher Diana Worth from Klamath County brought to light the pressing issue of rising property tax assessments, urging support for House Bill 3940. As she addressed the committee, Worth recounted her shock upon receiving a property tax statement that revealed an increase of over $10,000 from the previous year. This steep rise, she explained, was largely due to the Oregon Department of Forestry's (ODF) authority to raise assessments on private property owners to fund wildfire fighting efforts.

With a heartfelt plea, Worth described the devastating impact these tax hikes have had on her family’s ranching business, particularly in the wake of economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized the lack of communication from ODF and county officials regarding these increases, leaving landowners like her unprepared for the financial burden.

Worth's testimony highlighted the broader implications of the issue, framing it not just as a personal struggle but as a statewide concern that affects many Oregonians. She expressed gratitude for the governor's initiative to utilize the rainy day fund interest as a potential solution, calling it a thoughtful approach to a problem that requires immediate attention.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members listened intently, with Representative Reschke posing questions to legislative council, indicating a continued interest in the implications of the proposed bill. The absence of another scheduled speaker, Jennifer Little, marked the end of public testimony for the day, leaving the committee to deliberate on the urgent need for tax relief measures.

The discussions in this meeting underscore the critical intersection of agriculture, taxation, and wildfire management in Oregon, as stakeholders seek solutions to alleviate the financial strain on landowners while addressing the state's environmental challenges.