Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
In light of what the Democrat Legislature and Governor Ferguson did this session, passing the biggest tax increase in our history, I was shocked when I opened my “Notice of Value” tax year 2025 for 2026 today.

The land value did not change – $204,250. We have a “medium size lot.” BUT our home value went from $480,865 to $520,675. That is a $39,810 increase. We did NOTHING to deserve this increase, no upgrades, only minor repairs. So for the future, unless we can change something by initiative or referendum we face increases worse than this.
Our home is 1700 sq ft ranch style. We moved to our home in 2003. Back then the assessment was under $200,000. Now my home is assessed at over half a million dollars? My wife and I are pensioners. State, federal (Army RC), SS. We make too much to apply for a senior and disabled person’s discount. One of our sons lives in Stevens County, E. WA. Cost of living is more reasonable. The other option is ID.
Bob Zak
Vancouver, Hazel Dell, Lakeshore
Also read:
- Opinion: President Trump signs memorandum to protect the Snake River damsTodd Myers argues that President Trump’s new memorandum rescinding Biden-era policies is a positive step toward protecting the Snake River dams, energy reliability, and salmon recovery.
- Opinion: Why would C-TRAN Board members put the agency on the hook for $7.2 million annually if they don’t have to?Ken Vance questions why C-TRAN Board members would commit the agency to $7.2 million in annual light rail costs when the IBR administrator says alternative funding is possible.
- POLL: Is the IBR team listening to SW Washington?A new poll invites Clark County residents to weigh in on whether local taxpayers should be responsible for the cost of light rail operations in the I-5 Bridge Replacement Program.
- Opinion: How to use a two-way left turn laneDoug Dahl explains the legal and safety reasoning behind using two-way left turn lanes for both entering and exiting traffic.
- Opinion: Washington’s CO2 tax jumps 16% in just three months to about 46 cents per gallonIn an opinion column, Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center argues that Washington’s carbon-tax price rose 16 percent last quarter to the equivalent of about 46 cents per gallon of gasoline, yet provides little measurable climate benefit.