Property taxes are assessed based on the appraised value of the property being taxed. They are the sum of taxes imposed on property owners by all the taxing districts within a municipality. These can include, among others, fire districts, school districts, water and sewer districts, besides the general government of the municipality. Property owners are responsible for paying the taxes annually for as long as they own the property.
In Washington State, unless a "levy lid lift" is approved by the voters, the maximum one's property tax levy can increase per year is 1%. For an individual property owner, the property tax may increase if there have been substantial additions to the property, or if market conditions have led to a higher assessed value. For a county in general, however, the total levy can go up annually by only 1% per year. But increases in a county's total property tax levy might occur due to a successful campaign of a taxing district to raise its levy. Or, the county total might increase due to new commercial or residential construction. Consequently, an increase in total property tax collections beyond the rate of 1% per year will reflect either voter-approved increases on the existing property base or new construction, including remodeling activity.
Tracking the total property tax roll is important because the revenue from property taxes is a valuable resource for municipalities - it provides necessary funding for essential public services, including school buses and emergency services. Therefore it is an essential piece of information for planners and other local government agencies.
This indicator measures the total property tax roll and the tax roll per capita in Walla Walla County. Washington State is offered as a benchmark.
