PORT ANGELES — The Clallam County Assessor’s Office will continue reduced public hours through May 22 as it works to manage a growing backlog caused by staffing cuts and increased demand.
The office remains open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Fridays. Assessor Pam Rushton says that gives staff uninterrupted time to process nearly 500 outstanding senior and disabled exemption applications. Rushton told county commissioners the loss of a key administrative position during 2024 budget cuts has significantly impacted operations, eliminating a position had handled both exemption processing and public inquiries. With its removal, duties have been spread across the remaining staff, including reassigned appraisers and mapping personnel.
County commissioners approved the extension this week. County Administrator Todd Mielke said there will need to be a deeper discussion about county government hours.
“In the meantime, we’re bringing this back for a broader discussion about setting overall courthouse hours and how to best provide customer service — while recognizing that the courts set their own hours through the judicial branch,” said Mielke.
Rushton says despite three months of reduced hours, much of the backlog remains. Rushton warned the delays could result in qualifying seniors receiving incorrect tax bills, which may later need to be adjusted, potentially disrupting revenue for local taxing districts.