Board of Equalization sets valuation for parcel RPO 3467-03 at $17,000 per acre

Echo County's Board of Equalization voted to set the valuation for parcel RPO 3467-03, owned by Brian and Carrie Bowie, at $17,000 per acre, a total assessed value of $61,370.

The decision followed testimony from property representatives and a report from Echo County assessor Chris Barton. Barton told the board the lot lies in a flood plain and is effectively unbuildable. He said the county had limited comparable sales but recommended equalizing the parcel to a recreational-land value of $17,000 per acre. "It is in a flood plain, so it is unbuildable," Barton said. He added the county "would be comfortable amending it to the $17,000 an acre, which would give this a total valuation of $61,370."

Commissioner (S4) moved to adopt Barton's recommendation and included language allowing the owners to refile for an agricultural classification during the next application period; Commissioner (S6) seconded. The chair called for a vote and recorded aye votes with no opposition, and the motion passed. The board noted that owners could seek an AG exemption in the next application window if they can meet the statutory requirements.

Supporting details in the record: the owners said the parcel is about 3.6 acres and lacks water rights; the assessor presented a defensible market approach using limited comparables and recommended recreational valuation based on the parcel's constraints. The board's action equalizes the parcel for the current tax roll but leaves the owners the option to reapply for AG valuation in the next application period.