Tana West
for
Assessor
I'm glad you're here. Understanding who handles your property assessments matters, so I want to show you exactly what I bring to this role.
Experience and Qualifications
When the Assessor's job is done right, no one notices. If it's done wrong, every taxpayer could feel it. Learn why experience matters, how costly mistakes can be, and why proven knowledge is essential to getting it right.
Endorsements and Support
This campaign is supported by experienced assessors and community leaders who know what it takes to run this office effectively.
Programs that Matter
Explore online tools that help you understand your property taxes, impacts of new construction, and where your tax dollars go.
Learn about veteran exemptions, senior deferral, and what to do if disaster strikes your home.
What the Assessor Does
(and Doesn’t Do)
The County Assessor’s role is often misunderstood. Let’s clear up where tax rates come from, who controls what, how property inspections are conducted, and what the Assessor doesn’t do.
Fun Facts!
Ever wonder what was on the tax rolls 100 years ago? (Hint: hide Fido!) And no woman has ever run for this office—until now. And that's not all!
Ready to Get Involved?
Don't be shy...ask for a yard sign, help spread the word, or make a contribution. However you choose to support, it's appreciated.
Paid for by Tana West for Assessor Committee
Experience and Qualifications
A Record You Can Trust
For over 30 years, I've dedicated my career to protecting the integrity of Oregon's property tax system. I started as an appraiser at 21, later became Chief Appraiser, and for the last 24 years have served as Deputy Director (Deputy Assessor)—the operational leader of the Deschutes County Assessor's Office.
It's not just about appraising properties. I oversee the entire tax roll: calculating rates for all 56 taxing districts, managing urban renewal impacts, and ensuring compliance with state law. This work governs $85 billion in real market value and generates nearly $600 million annually for schools, fire districts, cities, and other essential services.
Leading Through Innovation
I don't just maintain the status quo—I've worked to make our office more transparent and accessible so you can get answers without jumping through hoops. I designed and launched tools like the Tax Estimator (so homeowners can plan ahead before building), interactive tax breakdowns (so you can see exactly where your dollars go), and expanded online access to property records. These weren't handed to me—I identified the need, worked with IT to build them, and made sure they're easy for you to use.
⚖️ The Cost of Getting It Wrong
While property values can be appealed, errors in tax rates or calculations affect every taxpayer and districts. Mistakes may mean reissued statements, financial corrections, and serious legal risk. If the tax roll is wrong, there's no quiet fix-everyone sees it, and trust is damaged. I've implemented a multi-step audit process—sometimes used by other Oregon counties—to catch errors before they can occur and become expensive problems.
📈 Experience You Can't Fast-Track
The tax roll happens once a year. Mastering the timing, dependencies, and risks takes years of repetition. I've been consulted by other assessors in Oregon on complex calculations and new procedures. That institutional knowledge protects you-and it can't be learned quickly, it takes years.
🛡️ Leadership Without a Learning Curve
With our current Assessor retiring, Deschutes County can't afford disruption. I'm ready to lead from day one—maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and your trust.
My Priorities
✓ Expand transparency through online tools that help you understand your assessments
✓ Support our staff with technology and training to manage growth efficiently.
✓ Protect accuracy so you and essential services can rely on the tax rollIn addition to my public service, I own a small photography business, a creative outlet that keeps me grounded and connected to our community.🗳️Vote Tana West - Experience You Trust
Tana West for Assessor Committee
ENDORSEMENTS
"Tana has been the backbone of this office for decades. I rely on her judgment and leadership."
Scot Langton, Deschutes County Assessor (Retiring)"I trust Tana's expertise completely. She is knowledgeable, credible, and deeply experienced.
Bill Kuhn, Deschutes County Treasurer•"Tana is the steady, experienced leader Deschutes County needs. I value her knowledge and judgment."
Ray Soliz, Jefferson County Assessor"In our assessment world, Tana's experience is second to none. She's been walking this road for many years—a vote for her just makes sense."
• Jon Soliz, Crook County Assessor• Thad Olsen, Cloverdale Fire Chief• Nancy Blankenship, Retired Deschutes County Clerk• Jean McCloskey, Retired Jefferson County Assessor• Tim Lutz Retired Tillamook County Assessor, and Bev Lutz• Connie Settle, REMAX Key Properties Oregon• Justin Homan, AmeriTitle Area Manager, VP
Tana West for Assessor Committee
Programs that Matter
💰 You might qualify for property tax relief and not know it.
If you're a senior on a fixed income or have a disability, disabled veteran or surviving spouse, or your home was damaged by fire or Act of God, Oregon has programs that can defer or reduce your property taxes. Our office processes these applications—and I'm committed to making sure every eligible resident knows these programs exist.📊 You can estimate your taxes before you build
Planning a remodel or addition? I helped create the Tax Estimator tool so homeowners can see how construction might affect their future tax bill—before they break ground. You can also see an estimate of property taxes using our interactive tools.🔍 All property records are public and online.
Want to check sale prices? See tax history? It's all at www.dial.deschutes.org—free and easy to use.The Assessor's Office should help you, not confuse you. That's been my approach for 25 years, and it's how I'll continue to lead.➡️ Learn more:
🎖️ Veteran & Surviving Spouse Exemptions
🚒 Disaster Relief Information
📑Senior & Disabled Tax Deferral
Tana West for Assessor Committee
What the Assessor Does
(and Doesn’t Do)
Questions We're Often AskedQ: Where do tax rates come from? Can the Assessor lower my taxes?
A: Tax rates are established by voters and local taxing districts. Each district (schools, fire, library, etc.) certifies how much revenue it needs. The Assessor calculates the rate required to generate that amount within the limits of Oregon law (Measures 5 and 50).
We do the math — we don’t set the budget.Q: Why can’t satellite imagery or flyovers replace on-site inspections?
A: Imagery is a useful tool, but it is not a substitute for professional, on-site inspections. Inspections protect both taxpayers and property values by allowing owners to share information that photographs or flyovers alone can’t show. In-person inspections ensure accuracy by identifying details imagery cannot capture, such as deferred maintenance, interior condition, or recent changes.Q: Can the Assessor just show up at my house?
A: For more than 25 years, property inspections in Deschutes County have been conducted professionally and with respect for privacy. Appraisers carry identification, make first contact when someone is home, and leave promptly if it’s not a good time.
Because of the volume of properties and limited contact information available (typically mailing addresses only), appointments are not scheduled in advance. Our priority is accuracy and fairness — not intrusion.Q: Why does my Assessed Value differ from my Real Market Value?A: Oregon law (Measure 50) limits how much your assessed value can increase each year (typically a maximum of 3%), even if market value rises faster. This system protects property owners from large tax increases during market spikes. The Assessor administers this system fairly and accurately.Q: Can I appeal my property value?
A: Yes. After you receive your tax statement, if the value feels incorrect, contact the Assessor’s Office with supporting evidence. Many issues are resolved at this level. Property owners may also appeal to the Property Value Appeals Board. Our office can explain the process and provide guidance.Q: I appealed my value, but my taxes didn’t go down. Why?
A: Appeals affect your Real Market Value. For taxes to change, the Real Market Value must be reduced below your Assessed Value.
Pro tip: The first year after new construction is added, review your value carefully. That year establishes the assessed value for the improvement, and corrections made early can affect future taxes. We want it to be right.Q: Are there other ways to lower my property tax bill?
A: You may qualify for relief programs, including:
• Veteran or surviving spouse exemption (40%+ service-connected disability)
• Senior or disabled deferral program
• Disaster relief (if your property is damaged by fire, storm, or other event)
Contact our office to see if you’re eligible. We want to ensure everyone who qualifies receives the relief they are entitled to.
Tana West for Assessor Committee
Fun Facts
📜Property taxes in Oregon began in 1844—15 years before statehood! The Provisional Government of Oregon created the first property tax, and in 1854, the tax code was modernized to create the system we use today. Oregon became a state on February 14, 1859.🏔️Deschutes County was established in 1916 (formerly part of Crook County).👔Deschutes County's first Assessor was W.T. Mullarky in 1917. Since then, we've had only 13 Assessors in over 100 years. Our current Assessor, Scot Langton, is the longest-serving at 25 years.👩A woman in office in 1938? Yes! Deschutes County had one female Assessor—Marguerite H. Lyons—who was appointed for two months in 1938 after Assessor W.F. Hammer passed away in office. But here's the kicker: as far as we can tell, no woman has ever actually run for County Assessor until now.What was taxable over the years?💰1917–1940: Dogs🐕 were taxed (they became licensed in 1941 instead)
1917–1965: Horses🐴 and other livestock were assessed
1921: Chickens🐔 added to the tax rolls
1930: Foxes🦊
1938: Rabbits🐰
1965: All animals became exemptOther interesting additions:1922: 🎖️The first Soldiers Exemption began (later expanded to Veterans and Widows in 1941)
1940: 💡The first neon sign was added to the tax rolls
1941: ✈️The first airplane was added to the tax rolls
1957: "Trailer houses" appear on the rolls🏹 And yes, the Sheriff was the tax collector (think Robin Hood!) until 1973, when the legislature enacted ORS 311.070 allowing counties to have administrative staff "deputies" collect taxes instead.
Tana West for Assessor Committee
Ready to Get Involved
This campaign is powered by neighbors like you—and it's working. Yard signs are going up across the county, endorsements keep coming in, and voters are responding to a message of experience and steady leadership.
Here's how you can be part of it:
📍 Get a Yard Sign Show your support and help spread the word in your neighborhood. Every sign matters.🤝 Volunteer - Know a great location, or want to help with placement? Even an hour makes a difference.📢 Spread the Word - One of the most powerful ways to help is sharing our message with you know:
~ Follow and share our posts on Facebook and Instagram.
~Like, comment, and help our posts reach more of your friends and neighbors.
Want to do more? Become a Digital Captain; we'll give you a simple plan, key dates and ready-to-share content so you can be effective when it matters most.💚 Contribute
Every contribution - large or small, is appreciated and funds yard signs, voter outreach, and getting our message in front of voters across Deschutes County.Thank you for being part of this team. Together, we'll protect the integrity and professionalism Deschutes County deserves ~ Tana
Let us know where to bring a yard sign or how you’d like to help!
Tana West for Assessor Committee