Larimer County small-business owner questions Ranch master plan, tax valuations and 4‑H space

Cindy Buckhart, a Larimer County small-business owner, used the board’s public comment period on May 6 to raise concerns about a new commercial property valuation she said would more than double her recent assessment and about proposed changes at the county-owned Ranch she said risk displacing 4‑H youth activities.

Buckhart said she and her husband founded their business in 2005, bought their facility in 2020 and “last week, we paid $36,000 in property taxes.” She told commissioners the new valuation could dramatically increase property taxes and questioned whether Ranch master-plan elements — including a “great lawn expansion” and proposed ice facilities — would displace 4‑H programming currently in the Thomas McKee 4‑H Youth and Community Building. Buckhart asked whether sponsor contracts and market research support the Ranch upgrades and whether a hotel partner has been secured to deliver an estimated $5,700,000 in annual revenue.

Why it matters: Buckhart framed the concerns as both an immediate fiscal burden for a small business and as a question of how taxpayer-supported Ranch facilities will prioritize 4‑H youth programming versus revenue-generating events.

Commissioners answered during the meeting: Commissioner Jody Shattuck McNally said the board “has not raised the mill levy for property taxes in Larimer County since 1992” and explained that ballot-language funds dedicated to the Ranch and open space are restricted and cannot be commingled with other revenues. Commissioner John Kefalas advised residents who wish to contest valuations to appeal to the assessor’s office and said “I believe folks have until June 9 to do that appeal.” Chair Kristen Stevens said she had not heard of any 4‑H removals and called the Ranch planning effort intended to seek financial self‑sufficiency so the Ranch “doesn’t necessarily have to rely on tax dollars.”

Discussion vs. decision: Commissioners did not adopt policy changes at the meeting. They directed staff to review the written letter Buckhart offered and reiterated how dedicated ballot funds are legally restricted; they also reminded residents of the assessor appeal deadline. No motion to alter Ranch plans or tax policy was made.

Clarifying details from the record: Buckhart said she paid $36,000 in property taxes and claimed the new valuation more than doubled her assessed value; she raised a figure of about $5,700,000 annual revenue tied to a hotel partner as a question rather than an established fact. Commissioners stated the county has not raised its mill levy since 1992 and that appeal procedures with the assessor are available through June 9.

Ending: Buckhart’s letter will be reviewed by county staff; commissioners encouraged any resident concerned about a valuation to file an appeal with the assessor by the stated June 9 deadline.