County seeks volunteers to serve on board that hears property value appeals

Lewis County is looking for volunteers to serve on the Board of Equalization (BOE), the quasi-judicial citizen board that hears taxpayer appeals regarding property values and exemption programs.

The BOE is made up of three regular, full-time members and three part-time alternates appointed by the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). It’s designed to provide an impartial and economical forum through which taxpayers can appeal determinations of the Lewis County Assessor’s Office. The board is separate from – and operates independently of – the Lewis County Assessor.

BOE members hold semi-formal hearings to adjudicate taxpayers appeals. The hearings take place between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. many Thursdays and some Fridays throughout the year, depending on how many appeals have been filed. The hearings are held in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse (351 N.W. North Street) in Chehalis, and BOE members are paid $100 for each day of service.

The BOE was established by the Legislature and is governed by the state Department of Revenue (DOR) as per RCW 84.48. Members serve three-year terms and must attend training provided by the DOR. This year’s two-day training will take place at the Historic Courthouse on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 4 and 5, 2024. Per state law, individuals who hold an elective office or are employed by an elected official cannot serve on the BOE.

Those interested in serving on the BOE may submit an application and a letter of interest:

• By mail at BOCC, attn. BOE vacancy, 351 N.W. North St., Chehalis, WA 98532.
• Via email at Committees@LewisCountywa.gov (include “BOE” in the subject line).
• In person at the Commissioners’ Office in Room 210 of the Historic Courthouse at 351 N.W. North St. in Chehalis.

Applications are due by 3 p.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024.

For questions about the BOE, contact Clerk of the Board Tammy Martin at 360-740-1391.

>> For an application, CLICK HERE.

>> For a sample letter of interest, CLICK HERE.