People whose homes were damaged or destroyed in last year’s Oregon wildfires would have an easier time getting property tax relief under a bill approved Friday by state lawmakers.
The measure allows counties to automatically cut or even waive taxes, if the tax assessor decides the property has lost market value as a result of the damage.
Rep. Jami Cate, R-Lebanon, represents several communities hit hard by the Beachie Creek Fire. She said the bill is one part of a long recovery process.
“It has been so much work, and I know there’s still so much to be done to help people rebuild," she said. "But this is a great step.”
The bill would only affect counties that were part of the wildfire-related state of emergency declaration last year. The measure has cleared both chambers and is headed for the governor’s desk.