Donna Bell is a candidate for Blaine County Tax Assessor. Bell is a lifetime resident of the county and a graduate of Watonga High School.
Following graduation, she took a job at the Watonga Republican where she worked as a proofer, set type and built ads. After 17 years working at the paper, she took a job as a field deputy at the assessor’s office. That was in 2013.
For two years, Bell worked as a field deputy, measuring buildings, evaluating properties and taking pictures, then entering the information into the computer system. She then moved upstairs where the deeds, mapping, ag permits and mobile home transfers are completed and has remained in that office for seven years.
When the sitting assessor declined to run for the seat again, Bell determined to run.
“I’ve been there for 10 years, and I felt like we needed someone who has experience,” Bell said.
Among her goals, if elected, is bringing the tax roll corrections down, lowering protests and keep getting better. She blames the inaccuracies on a new program instituted by the state.
To accomplish this goal, Bell said training is the key. “We should all go to the August school. That’s where you learn the newest stuff.” Every employee has to go to the school once every three years, but Bell thinks every year or every other year would be better.
Better communication with the taxpayers who come into the office is another goal.
“When they come in, they want to know how we got to that figure. What did you do, why is this so high,” she explained.
Bell is aware not everything will be accomplished overnight.
“I’m not saying it’s going to be easy,” she said. “But I like my job and I know I can do it.”