Pueblo County's Board of Equalization on July 29 denied a petition for abatement or refund of 2024 taxes filed by Spirits of the Rockies Incorporated (Parcel 480223) and approved the appointment of former district attorney Jeff Trostner as an independent referee. Assistant County Attorney Gary Rosso told commissioners he had heard from both the assessor's office and the petitioner and recommended no change to the assessor's valuation.

Rosso's report said the taxpayer had not filed a declaration or schedule of personal property; as a result, the assessor used the best available information and comparables that were higher in value than the business's actual equipment and assets. Rosso and county staff explained to commissioners that missing the required personal property filing can lead to higher assessed values because the assessor relies on comparables when declarations are not provided.

The county attorney said a motion to approve Rosso's recommendation would be appropriate. A commissioner moved to approve a resolution denying the petition for abatement or refund of taxes for the 2024 tax year filed by Spirits of the Rockies Incorporated, Parcel 480223; another commissioner seconded the motion, and the board voted in favor. The board then approved a consent-agenda item appointing Jeff Trostner to serve as an independent referee for Board of Equalization matters; staff said Trostner has previously served in that role and is willing and available to serve.

Commissioners and staff described Rosso's report as thorough and said the case illustrated the practical importance of filing personal property schedules promptly so assessors can use accurate information. No changes to the assessor's valuation were ordered in this matter.

The action on the abatement and the referee appointment were taken during the county's Board of Equalization session before the commissioners reconvened as the Board of County Commissioners.