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Methow Valley
Communications District
The signals are in the UHF frequency range, so you'll need an antenna which supports UHF. Also, if your TV isn't digital-ready (ie, doesn't have an ATSC tuner), you'll need a converter box (see our Digital TV page for more information).
The Methow Communications District provides:
- Television and radio communications throughout the Methow Valley.
- Provides the power for emergency and cellphone services on McClure Mountain.
- Okanogan County Sheriff
- Twisp Police Department
- Winthrop Marshal
- Aero Methow Rescue Service
- Okanogan County Roads Departmane
- USDA Forest Service
- Verizon
- Cellular One
Most Methow Valley landowners will have received a tax bill from the Methow Valley Communications District recently. Unfortunately, due to an oversight at the Okanogan County Treasurer’s office, the bill did not have the usual exemption language and return form that landowners who do not have a television or who do not receive the signals could send in lieu of the $20 annual fee. MVCD does not have the ability to place a lien on property for this fee. It is governed by Washington State RCW 36.95.100 which was passed in 1972 to allow the rural communications districts of Washington a legal means to collect dues to provide, maintain, and improve television signals. Most of the service area was converted to digital television signals this year with a great improvement in picture quality and an increase in the number of available channels. The final translator site will be upgraded this spring.
In order to request an exemption, landowners who received the bill may send a copy of the bill to MVCD, P.O. Box 1031, Winthrop, WA 98862 with a note requesting exemption or they may send an email to secretary@methowcommunications.org requesting an exemption. Be sure to include your name, address and parcel number.
Current Status (updated Mar. 4, 2012)
- McClure: OK
- Grizzly: OK
- Goat: OK
Methow Valley Communications District is a special taxing district of Okanogan County and has been in existence for over 50 years. In 1972 Washington State Law RCW 36.95.100 created our taxing district. We are a non-profit service entity with a three-person volunteer Board of Directors who are appointed by the Okanogan County Commissioners.
The billing amount for 2012 is $20.00 (reduced from $35.00).
Please make your check payable to:
Methow Valley Communications District
and send it to:
Okanogan County Treasurer
PO Box 111
Okanogan WA 98840