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Help Available For Snow-Damaged Properties

BEND, OR -- As snow melts, Central Oregonians are finding damage to homes and businesses. Deschutes County Assessor Scot Langton says there is some financial help available through a little-known property tax program.

 

Langton tells KBND News property owners can apply for relief if they've suffered significan damage. "Unfortunately, if somebody has suffered a loss, there is at least a pro-ration of property taxes that can occur. Like the Ray's store, for example, that the roof collapsed on - if they make an application, we're going to take the period of the tax year it was damaged and refund those taxes, in essence." But, there are limitations, "It needs to be something significant. Personally, I had an ice dam and got some water inside my house but it really didn't do much damage; and my old garden shed didn't hold up and I'll have to replace it. But, that didn't really significantly impact the value. But, somebody with their carport or, like the Ray's building, something like that with significant damage. That does have a pretty significant impact on value."

 

Applications are available on the Deschutes County Assessor's Office website. Langton says, "We hope these type of events don't occur, but since something has occurred now we just want to make sure people are aware of it. It's been a few years, but the last time we had a significant amount of this was due to wildfire." Applications must be submitted by June 30.

 

Photo: Bend's FedEx Ship Center closed Jan. 10 after snow caused the roof to sag and crack.

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