Chelan County Assessor

Levies

Levies are the total amount of money to be raised from the property tax, as set forth in the budget for the local government or tax jurisdiction, also called a taxing district. The cost of providing public services determines your property tax.  Local government consists of various taxing districts including fire districts, regional library, cities, county government, roads, hospitals, ports and many others. The levy, whether higher or lower than the preceding year, is determined by the budget-making authority of the local government. A portion of the tax is distributed to the state for local school support. In addition, taxes are collected to pay for special voter-approved levies, such as school maintenance and operation levies and bonds and emergency medical levies. The levy rate (or tax rate) is expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value.

Each year the commissioners or directors of each taxing district meet in open session to adopt a budget for the following year. The district submits the budget to the Assessor, who verifies that the budget is within statutory and constitutional limitations, and computes the required levy rate. The levy rate is the amount to be collected divided by the total assessed value of the geographic area the district serves, and is expressed in dollars per thousand dollars of assessed valuation.  The formula for determining a taxing district’s levy rate looks like this:

Taxing District Budget (limited to 1% growth) ÷ Taxing District Assessed Value x 1,000 = Levy Rate

In reviewing the formula, you will note that when assessed values rise and the taxing district budget is a fixed amount, the levy rate decreases. When assessed values fall and the taxing district budget is a fixed amount, the levy rate increases. In both cases, the levy rate is adjusted to generate adequate revenues to fund the taxing district’s budget.

Posted: 12/11/2014 02:13 PM
Last Updated: 07/27/2015 10:25 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 06
    Nov 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - November 6, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or via zooom
  • 05
    Nov 2024
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Election Day

    Please see Ballot Drop Locations
  • 31
    Oct 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Second Half Property Tax Deadline

    Posted by: Chelan County Treasurer

    Second half property tax deadline

  • 29
    Oct 2024
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Registration in person at our office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration Deadline in person at our office.