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Commissioners deny two property abatement requests; approve two assessor corrections and a tax payment exemption
Summary
At its June 13 meeting the Chaffee County board, sitting as the board of equalization, denied two abatement requests for vacant riverfront lots, approved two assessor-initiated corrections including an exemption for a Buena Vista gym, and approved another abatement for a Buena Vista parcel.
The Chaffee County Board of County Commissioners convened as the board of equalization on June 13 and took action on four property tax appeals and two assessor corrections.
Two abatement petitions were denied. County staff presented valuation analyses for the River West Drive parcel at 101 River West Drive; Katie Ladey of the assessor's office said the county's time-adjusted comparable sales supported maintaining the parcel's assessed value. Caroline Young, an attorney representing the owner, argued the parcel should be valued as raw land and that the assessor did not deduct direct development costs or entitlements as set out in Department of Local Affairs guidance. The board voted to deny the abatement request.
The board also denied an abatement request for a multi-lot vacant parcel (parcel 380704214004 on First Street) where staff presented a per-lot valuation approach and comparables showing similar riverfront lot sales in the area.
Separately, the board approved assessor-initiated corrections and abatements where errors were procedural. Commissioners approved a payment/exemption arrangement for a Buena Vista gym property that had been acquired and is being used under a lease-back arrangement with the Buena Vista School District; staff said the parcel was intended to be exempt and the omission stemmed from an internal data error during an appraiser transition. The board also approved an abatement for 755 Harris Street (Buena Vista) after staff confirmed the property's exempt status.
Why it matters: the decisions resolve tax-year 2023'24 valuation disputes for riverfront and downtown parcels and clarify the assessor's administrative corrections. Petitioners were advised they may appeal to the State Board of Assessment Appeals if they remain dissatisfied; the board informed listeners of that route at the meeting close.
Votes: the record shows the motions to deny the two abatement requests passed by voice vote (commissioners said "Aye"). Motions to approve assessor corrections and the payment exemption also passed by voice vote.
Next steps: petitioners wishing to pursue further challenge were reminded of the state appeal process; county staff will proceed with recording the assessor corrections and coordinate any necessary refunds or tax billing changes.
