Chelan County Assessor talks property values at Lake Wenatchee meeting

Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius addressed property assessment concerns during a community meeting in Lake Wenatchee on April 23, 2025. He highlighted a 4% rise in county property prices and explained the necessity of the January 1 valuation date due to state requirements. Cornelius revealed that homes in the county sold for an average of 20% more than their assessed values last year, indicating discrepancies in assessment accuracy. He noted that Chelan County conducts property inspections every four years, in contrast to the state-mandated six-year interval, to ensure current valuations. Residents raised questions about property tax limitations, prompting Cornelius to clarify that property taxes can only increase by 1% at the county level.

He also mentioned Senate Bill 5798, which proposes the removal of current limits on state-level property tax increases. The meeting served as a platform for enhancing communication between the Assessor's Office and local property owners, with additional outreach sessions planned. This engagement is crucial for maintaining transparency and addressing the community's concerns regarding property assessments.