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Pitkin County to run property tax refund program in 2026 while staff studies administrative alignment with senior program
Summary
Staff proposed phasing options for the property tax refund program created after large valuation increases; the board directed staff to run a standalone PTRP in 2026 and to explore aligning administration with the senior property tax relief program for 2027.
Pitkin County staff reviewed the property tax refund program that was created after a sharp rise in property valuations and presented three phase‑out options. The board directed staff to operate the program in 2026 as a standalone offering and to return with analysis on administrative alignment with the county’s senior property tax relief program for possible integration in 2027.
"This was a program that we started in the summer of 2023 as a result of a large increase in property valuations," Andrew (chief financial administrative officer) said, noting staff originally expected an 85% valuation estimate that ultimately materialized at about 70%. He told the board the PTRP had roughly 111–112 approved applicants each of the past two years and that the average refund was about $1,139 over those years.
Chad Fedowitz, manager of senior services, explained differences between the long‑standing senior relief program and the more recent PTRP: the senior program coordinates county, city and school district relief and uses different eligibility benchmarks and mechanics, while the PTRP was a back‑end refund with annual eligibility verification and a $2,000 cap per household. Staff noted the outside contractor that previously administered PTRP is no longer available, increasing the county’s administrative burden.
Staff presented three phase‑out options (end 2026; continue through 2027; continue through 2028) and recommended using 2022 assessed valuations as the eligibility baseline and preserving the current income and non‑deed‑restricted homeowner rules. Commissioners favored retaining the program at least for 2026 to allow time to align administration and communication, and several asked staff to return with trade‑offs for 2027 if the board wants to continue or taper the program further.
Staff confirmed they will run the PTRP in 2026 and attempt to align timing and administration with the senior program for 2027; they will return with cost, process and eligibility trade‑offs.
