Property Owner Challenges County Assessor's Fraudulent Valuation Adjustments

During the Montezuma County Board of Equalization meeting on August 5, 2025, a significant discussion arose regarding property valuation disputes, highlighting concerns about the county assessor's practices. A property owner raised allegations of bias and improper conduct by the county assessor, claiming that their property record card had been altered without prior consultation.

The property owner asserted that the assessor had "fraudulently" increased their property valuation by changing key information without any communication. They described a confrontational interaction with the assessor, who mischaracterized a shop on the property as a home, which the owner argued was a misrepresentation that unjustly inflated the property's value.

Additionally, the owner expressed frustration over misleading information regarding agricultural status. They believed they had filed for agricultural status correctly but were informed by the assessor that they could not apply for it for two years, a claim the owner contested as false. This misunderstanding led to further complications in the valuation process.

The owner emphasized that they had provided evidence of their property's agricultural status and requested a site visit for accurate measurement, which was ultimately conducted. Despite these efforts, the owner felt that the final valuation remained excessively high.

The meeting underscored the importance of transparency and communication between property owners and the county assessor's office. As the board continues to address these valuation disputes, the implications for property taxes and community trust in local government practices remain significant. The property owner indicated a willingness to present further evidence and engage in follow-up discussions, suggesting that this issue may not be resolved quickly.

As the board deliberates on these matters, the outcome could influence future interactions between residents and the assessor's office, potentially prompting a review of assessment practices to ensure fairness and accuracy in property valuations.