Board rejects nonprofit’s tax cut request, amends tornado-damaged home value and affirms referee recommendations on other protests

The Douglas County Board of Equalization on Aug. 5 heard multiple contested valuation protests under agenda item G and recorded several distinct outcomes: the board declined a proposed cut sought on behalf of a nonprofit tenant known as The Bay, amended the assessed value of a tornado-damaged Bennington home, and ultimately approved the referees’ recommendations for the remaining protested parcels.

Nut graf: Item G bundled multiple property protests and attracted extended debate. Attorneys and referees presented valuation methods — including income-capitalization, sales comparables and consideration of lease terms — and commissioners weighed arguments about market value, equalization and the limits of the board’s role.

The Bay (6120 Military Avenue, Benson). Attorney David Levy of Baird Holm represented The Bay, a 501(c)(3) tenant occupying roughly 39,000 square feet and paying $1 per square foot. Levy told the board the…