1. Sheriff Marine Patrol

    The Lewis County Sheriff's Office marine patrol unit and education program was created in the early 1980's in response to the increasing amount of recreational boaters. As recreational boating increased, so did the responsibilities of the marine unit. Today our primary responsibilities are education and enforcement. The Sheriff's Office has two lake vessels, a 20 foot Almar, and a 21 foot N.River. We have two primary inland lakes that we patrol: Lake Mayfield (2,250 sq. acres) and Riffe Lake (11,830 sq. acres). There are several other bodies of water including Mineral Lake, Lake Scanewea, and the Chehalis and Cowlitz Rivers. …


    Sheriff - March 27, 2013, 8:21 a.m.

  2. Real Property

    Real property is land and any improvements (such as dwellings, septic, power, water, driveways, and outbuildings) attached to the land. Land for valuation purposes is bare land only. We do not value trees, landscaping or vegetation on the land. Improvements for assessment purposes is everything that is added to the land (it is not to indicate that you improved the property).The assessor values real property using one or more of three professional appraisal methods using guidelines from the Department of Revenue and International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO):Market or sales comparison method uses sales to provide estimates of value for …


    Assessor - March 28, 2018, 11:52 a.m.

  3. About Human Resources

    Thank you for your interest in Lewis County Human Resources!At the County, we believe that our 500 employees are our greatest asset. We are an equal opportunity employer that offers our full time employees competitivebenefits, paid vacation, sick leave, and an attractive retirement plan.Our goal is to be the employer of choice in our community. Mission Statement: To assist, advise, and facilitate management and employees to best align individual talent with the needs and goals of Lewis County. To provide solutions to workplace issues which promote an environment that is characterized by fair treatment of staff, open communication, personal accountability, …


    Human Resources - April 21, 2015, 11:27 a.m.

  4. Destroyed Property

    DESTROYED PROPERTY CLAIM TAXPAYER'S CLAIM FOR REDUCTION OF ASSESSMENTS AND THE ABATEMENT OF TAXES RESULTING FROM DESTROYED REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY, OR LOSS OF VALUE IN A DECLARED DISASTER AREA RCW 84.70.010 AND RCW 84.70.040Eligibility:Claims must be filed with the County Assessor within three (3) years of the date of destruction or loss of value.No relief shall be given to any person who is convicted of arson with regard to the property for which relief is sought.Assessment Reduction:Any real or personal property that has been placed upon the Assessment Roll as of January 1 of the assessment year in which …


    Assessor - March 30, 2018, 9:36 a.m.

  5. Filing a Petition

    Real Property and Personal PropertyPetition Filing Instructions and Board of Equalization RequirementsFor a successful appeal please thoroughly read all information provided, particularly in the section ‘Evidence’ : Reasons Not ConsideredAssessment comparisons of other propertyPercentage of value increasesPersonal hardshipAmount of taxOther matters not directly related to the market value Evidence The issue before the Board is the market value of your property. You need to furnish evidence that demonstrates that the Assessor’s valuation exceeds your property’s fair market value. State law requires the Assessor to value all taxable property at 100 percent of its true and fair market value, according to …


    Commissioners - July 16, 2014, 1:01 p.m.

  6. 2016/2017 Budget Calendar

    DatesDayActionMarch 28Monday1st 2016 Budget Amendment Hearing (Board Hearing Room, 10:00 am)June 3FridayInternal Service Rates submitted to Budget Dept.June 15WednesdayDiscuss Call Letter & Budget Instructions at ESCJune 27Monday2nd 2016 Budget Amendment Hearing (Board Hearing Room, 10:00 am)July 11MondayCall Letter and Budget Worksheets distributed to Offices/Depts.JulyBudget Training Classes - as requestedAugust 8MondayOffices/Depts. submit 2017 Preliminary Budgets to Budget Dept.August 8MondayRecommended STIP due to the BOCCSeptember 6TuesdayBudget Dept. submits Preliminary Budgets to BOCC and AuditorSeptember 26Monday3rd 2016 Budget Amendment Hearing ( Board Hearing Room, 10:00 am)September 21Wednesday2017 Preliminary Budget distributed to libraries, colleges, and Offices/Depts.Sep-OctBudget meetings between Offices/Depts. and BOCCOctober 3MondayFirst Hearing, 2017 …


    Budget - Dec. 31, 2015, 12:42 p.m.

  7. Segregation Mapping

    The Lewis County Segregation/Mapping processes recorded deeds and other conveyance instruments for real property to verify recorded legal descriptions, create, segregate and combine tax parcels. The County Geographic Information System (GIS) database is updated and kept at a current status. The Department updates ownership on all real estate transfers. The method of acquiring title is determined, ownership and legal descriptions are verified, and land area computed when necessary. The department must have current knowledge of property tax rules, be familiar with the appraisal process and all assessment records, in addition to exemption related activities affecting real - personal property The …


    Assessor - March 5, 2012, 12:19 p.m.

  8. FAQ's

    What are noxious weeds? "Noxious weed" is the traditional, legal term for invasive, non-native plants that are highly destructive, competitive, and difficult to control or eliminate. Noxious weeds can include non-native grasses, flowering plants, shrubs, and even trees. Noxious weeds can also include aquatic plants. Many noxious weeds started out as ornamental plants that eventually escaped the garden setting, while others were accidentally introduced through human travel and trade. Regardless of how they got to Washington State, all noxious weeds pose a serious threat to our economy, agriculture, local ecosystems, and wildlife habitats. Some noxious weeds are toxic to humans …


    Weed Control - April 12, 2016, 1:22 p.m.

  9. Solid Waste Utility

    Lewis County Solid Waste Utility operates solid waste transfer stations in Centralia and Morton for disposal, recycling, and yard waste drop off, and provides education and outreach regarding proper solid waste management, waste reduction, recycling, composting and hazardous waste.


    Solid Waste - Jan. 23, 2019, 4:16 p.m.

  10. How Levy Rates Are Calculated

    Basic information regarding how levy rates are calculated This is to help inform you on how your taxes are established.The process to calculate property tax is simply the total market value of the parcel multiplied by the TCA total tax rate divided by 1000. Example below:100,000 x 10.123456789123 / 1000 = $1,012.35VALUE (100,000)The Lewis County Assessor Office will revalue each parcel every 6 years as mandated by statute; unless there are improvements or modifications made to the property. These improvements or modifications can be classified as new construction, additions to the land, subdivisions, boundary line adjustments, or destroyed property. Should …


    Assessor - Feb. 19, 2010, 9:38 a.m.