WSR 97-19-030

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

[Filed September 9, 1997, 1:43 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 458-40-540 Forest land values--1998 (valuation tables).

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 82.32.330 and 84.33.096.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The law (RCW 84.33.120) requires revision of forest land values each year. This rule provides the assessor the values to be used in assessing property tax on forest land (as forest land is assessed property tax without regard to the value of the trees on the land). The rule and the annual adjustment each year to these values is needed to provide consistent and accurate values for property tax purposes.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Although the United States Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources both regulate forest practices, they are not involved in valuation for purposes of taxation. The nontax processes and definitions are coordinated with these agencies to avoid conflict, but there is no need to involve them in the valuation procedures provided in this rule.

Process for Developing New Rule: Modified negotiated rule making.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Written comments should be submitted by the public meeting date to ensure full consideration, but will be accepted if they are received two weeks before the date of adoption. Written comments may be submitted by mail, FAX, or at the public meeting. Oral comments will be accepted at the public meeting or later public hearing. A draft of the amended rule may be obtained upon request after October 15, 1997. Written comments or requests for the draft rule may be directed to Ed Ratcliffe, Legislation and Policy, P.O. Box 47467, Olympia, WA 98504-7467, phone (360) 586-3505, FAX (360) 664-0693.

Location and Date of Public Meeting: Department of Revenue Conference Room, Target Place Building No. 4, 2735 Harrison Avenue N.W., Olympia, WA, on October 22, 1997, at 10 a.m.

September 9, 1997

James M. Thomas