Natasha Lovato / NewsBreak Denver
(Highlands Ranch, Colo.) Property taxes shot-up by record-breaking amounts for some homeowners, and while the state seeks to offset the cost for homeowners, local municipalities oppose the relief.
In early May, Gov. Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 23-303 to offset the property tax increases.
Unlike in previous years, property sales skyrocketed. The evaluations reflect the craziness of the 2020-2022 housing market, meaning property taxes increased for some Douglas County residents by thousands of dollars monthly.
The proposed change, if adopted by lawmakers and voters at the November election, would reduce the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024 and continue for primary homes in future years, but DougCo officials share their opposition.
Alongside the Highlands Ranch Metro District, commissioners from 11 counties throughout Colorado, including Douglas, El Paso and Mesa Counties, joined the lawsuit against the proposed measure.
Metro District Board Chair Renee Anderson stated that the Metro District opposes it because the proposed legislation violates the single subject requirement outlined in the Colorado constitution.
“This complicated proposition includes multiple subjects and difficult-to-understand concepts. It’s just plain wrong to put this forward to voters,” Anderson said.
“Local governments rely on property taxes to provide critical services and should have been consulted in efforts to provide a solution to bring relief to citizens. “Voters deserve the facts when considering a ballot measure sent to them from the legislature instead of misleading language,” Anderson said.
The consensus of the Metro District is that the proposed bill needs more clarity on the money local municipalities will receive from property taxes should the bill pass.
“The Highlands Ranch Metro District supports concepts like limiting property tax increases and enhancements for the senior property tax exemption,” Metro District General Manager Stephanie Stanley said.
Metro District officials announced their addition to the lawsuit against the state with the stance that the state should pause the motion of the bill until an agreement is made between local and state governments.
“We should pause this situation, work together, and take the time and thoughtfulness to provide reasonable long-term solutions for Coloradans,” Anderson said.
While homeowners await further information on tax relief, DougCo residents can exercise their right to file an appeal.
Homeowners can file an appeal online, in person, or through the mail.
The deadline to appeal is June 8.
Comments / 4