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Douglas County’s attempts to provide a $28 million property tax relief to its homeowners have been thwarted by a recent ruling from a Denver District Court judge. Judge Ericka F. H. Englert confirmed that the State Board of Equalization’s decision to block the proposed tax break was valid and properly considered, marking a setback for the county’s lawsuit. This ruling follows a previous decision that largely dismissed Douglas County’s litigation last year.
The county’s initiative aimed to ease the financial burden on homeowners after significant increases in property valuations throughout the state. In September 2023, the Douglas County Commission made a controversial move to reduce the property valuations of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. This reduction was intended to provide immediate relief to homeowners by lowering their property tax bills.
Property valuations in Colorado are recalibrated every two years, directly impacting how much residents owe in taxes. While the county’s assessor argued that declining housing market conditions justified this across-the-board reduction, the State Board of Equalization disagreed after reviewing the proposal in December 2023. The board expressed concerns about the potential implications of approving such changes, worried it might set a precedent that could disrupt property tax policies in other areas and burden state finances, particularly affecting funding for local schools in Douglas County.
Approximately 300 local districts would have faced revenue changes due to the proposed tax reduction, making the board’s decision particularly significant. Douglas County experienced one of the most pronounced increases in property tax bills statewide last year, as property values soared.
In an effort to revive the tax relief plan, the county filed a lawsuit against the State Board of Equalization in early 2024. The county claimed the board overstepped its authority and violated Colorado’s open meetings laws during its decision-making process. However, Judge Englert rejected these arguments, affirming that the board acted within its jurisdiction.
Following the ruling, county officials hinted at the possibility of an appeal, asserting their commitment to exploring every legal avenue to ensure taxpayer fairness. “The fight isn’t over,” said a county representative in a recent news release. “Douglas County commissioners are exploring every legal option to defend taxpayers and restore fairness.”
As the situation develops, residents and stakeholders in Douglas County will be watching closely to see how these legal battles unfold and what it means for property tax policies in the future.
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