In a move that\u2019s likely to be reversed by state officials, Montezuma County commissioners gave across-the-board tax relief to dryland and irrigation farmers this week.<\/p>\n
The issue was brought to light during a Board of Equalization hearing on Monday, July 20. Former Montezuma County Commissioner Steve Chappell claimed that the assessed value on 11 of his agricultural parcels nearly doubled over last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo get this increase was shocking,\u201d said Chappell, a dryland farmer near Goodman Point.<\/p>\n
Chappell complained that the assessed value should be based on actual production and crop prices. Examining his records from 2008 to 2015, Chappell said his fluctuating production numbers and shifting commodity prices didn\u2019t correlate with his recent 93 percent tax increase.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe excuse given by our assessor is that this is a mandate from the state,\u201d said Chappell.<\/p>\n
Montezuma County Tax Assessor William Davis didn\u2019t attend the hearing because of a family emergency, officials said.<\/p>\n
Chappell argued that a state mandate couldn\u2019t be responsible for his tax increase, adding that the assessed value of his farmland in La Plata County increased by less than 25 percent.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe assessor is elected by the people of Montezuma County, and if he\u2019s not looking out for us, then there needs to be a change,\u201d Chappell said.<\/p>\n
At the hearing, an official with the tax assessor was unable to adequately explain the tax disparity between Montezuma and La Plata counties.<\/p>\n
Requesting individual tax relief, Chappell continued, also speaking on behalf of some half-dozen other farmers in attendance. Chappell said hard-working farmers often didn\u2019t pay attention to notices regarding assessed property values, and instead relied on elected officials to protect their interests.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t mind paying my fair share,\u201d said Chappell, telling commissioners they shouldn\u2019t approve the highest tax increases in history.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Keenan Ertel agreed, stating no one should suffer a one-year 93 percent hike in their assessed property value. With the deadline to appeal for tax relief passing on July 15, Ertel suggested that farmers should organize and submit a class-action protest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of people in your exact situation that didn\u2019t have the time, the wherewithal or the knowledge on what to do,\u201d Ertel told Chappell. \u201cNow the window has closed.\u201d<\/p>\n
After further discussion, including unsolicited and informal complaints from other farmers in attendance, commissioners unanimously approved Chappell\u2019s request for tax relief, capping his assessed value with a 22 percent increase.<\/p>\n
In reaction to broad tax relief, Montezuma County attorney John Baxter cautioned commissioners that any across-the-board decision would likely be reversed at the state level. Substituting in Davis\u2019 absence, a county tax official also warned that such a measure could spark additional scrutiny from state auditors.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt might not be the best strategy to do the whole class,\u201d Baxter said.<\/p>\n
Still, Commissioner Larry Don Suckla insisted that across-the-board relief should be granted.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should send a statement out there,\u201d Suckla said. \u201cHow do we raise our voices loud enough to let them know in Denver that they aren\u2019t treating us fair over here?\u201d<\/p>\n
At Suckla\u2019s recommendation, Commissioner James Lambert reluctantly made a motion to provide a blanket tax abatement for all dryland and irrigation farmers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s an exercise in futility,\u201d said Lambert.<\/p>\n
Suckla seconded the motion, which mirrored the relief provided to Chappell. Capping the assessment increase at 22 percent for all those that experienced rate spikes of 20 percent or more, the measure was unanimously approved.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the right thing to do,\u201d said Ertel.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t fight them now, then it will be too late,\u201d a woman yelled from the audience as the 45-minute hearing drew to a close.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you ever had commissioners lower your taxes?\u201d Suckla asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d the woman replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, there you go,\u201d said Suckla.<\/p>\n