Montezuma County Board of Equalization denies Villarreal property valuation appeal

The Montezuma County Board of Equalization voted to deny a valuation appeal by Lorenzo and Susan Villarreal and upheld Assessor Lehi Bugg's adjusted 2026 valuation of $556,922 for the property at 21239 Road W in Lewis.

The Villarreals told the board they moved to Montezuma County in 2021 and bought the farm for $475,000. Lorenzo Villarreal said the assessor's initial 2026 notice listed a higher valuation and taxes; he asked the board to lower the assessment to about $325,000, arguing assessor comparables were inconsistent with their property's agricultural use and that local agricultural comps are much lower. "We again request for a fair and equitable ruling in our favor," Villarreal said.

Assessor Lehi Bugg told the board the assessor's office used three comparable sales in the neighborhood and GIS measurements to calculate value. Bugg said she adjusted the classification back to agricultural and "adjusted the value down to 556,922 and changed the classification back to agricultural" while explaining the office did not perform an interior inspection and relied on GIS to measure buildings.

Board members questioned the petitioners about square footage, acreage and the fact the Villarreals purchased the property in 2021 for $475,000. One board member observed that the petitioners' requested $325,000 figure would imply a steep drop from the purchase price. After deliberation a motion to accept the assessor's valuation was made and seconded; vocal support recorded in the transcript included affirmative responses and the chair declared the petition denied. The clerk said a written decision would be sent to the petitioners and explained appeal options.

The Villarreals explained they will consider their options for further appeal. The board's written decision will explain the factual and legal basis for the denial and the timeline and procedures to pursue an additional appeal if desired.