Board of Equalization

Members



The Board of Equalization has 5 members:
  • Wes VanDeMark, District 1 Term ends 1/31/2022
  • John Bruton, District 2 Term ends 1/31/2020
  • David Simpson, District 3 Term ends 1/31/2022
  • Sonja Merk, District 4 Term ends 1/31/2021
  • Tammy Valenti, District 5 Term ends 1/31/2022

Term Limit


  • 2 terms
    • 1 year separation required after 2 terms.

Term Length


  • 3 years

Purpose


The Board of Equalization hears property tax appeals and complaints regarding the Assessor´s property value determination. The Board is responsible for ensuring that all properties are valued at 100% of market value and that comparable properties are assessed at comparable values. The Board may either lower, raise, or sustain the land or building assessments. Appeals of the Board's decision are made to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals.

Duties


Board members are selected for their knowledge of real estate values and each member is required by law to attend a 2-day course on the valuation of real property. The Board is responsible for hearing appeals of assessed valuation of property.

Authority


  • Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 84.48.014
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 458-14
  • Whatcom County Code Section 2.21

Additional Information