Konis said that most of the time inspecting property isn’t a problem, and when people do have concerns or call police because they saw a stranger taking photos, both parties are usually understanding. Assessors only go on private property when they cannot accurately assess it from the street. In that case, the assessors went on that person’s property instead of staying on the street because of tree and hill cover, Konis said. Konis said the property owner didn’t threaten county staff, but it was intimidating. He said people often tell assessors to leave the property, and a few weeks ago a property owner swore at one of the county assessors, ordered them off their property and put their phone inside an assessor’s car to take a photo.
“More often than not, people come out to ask what I’m doing,” he said. Spokane County Assessor Tom Konis said assessors, including him, have previously had the police called on them. The assessment underway is for the 2021 property tax year and includes one-sixth of all county parcels. They’ll usually take a photo and inspect a home from the street. Over the past few weeks, Spokane County residents may have seen county employees taking photos of their homes, and likely will until May 1 when the Assessor’s Office finishes its annual parcel inspection.Īssessors will always have identification, a placard on their car and wear a fluorescent vest.