Aerial views efficient

Let me add some perspective to the issue of using aerial photographs to fairly and accurately appraise property by the assessor (“Aerial photos stir up debate,” May 5). Sometimes elected officials have to make tough decisions. To avoid property tax increases, the county commissioners cut departmental budgets. It was the right thing to do. Unfortunately, it caused significant staff reductions. I lost five appraisers.

To maintain property tax fairness, I asked the commissioners to fund aerial photographs. The alternative would have been failure to properly appraise property according to the law. We’ll realize smaller government by utilizing technology. The net savings is about $250,000 of your taxes each and every year. But, are we sacrificing privacy with one set of photos every two years? Similar but not technically compliant photos are already available at Bing.com and other websites. We will simply be taking advantage of available technology. These photos will also be useful to your fire department, 911, law enforcement, agriculture agencies, planning departments and others at no additional cost.

I think it’s the right thing to do if you want efficient but smaller government and low property taxes. Isn’t that what we all want?

Ralph Baker

Spokane County assessor