The fall cold snap brings welcomed retrospection and good apple juice.  We all hope to learn from past failures and successes and to tilt toward the future with renewed optimism.  The assessor’s office had and continues to have a busy year.  We are working hard to evolve to do even better in our record keeping and valuation processes. 

We analyzed and moved real estate values from the 2004 level of value to the 2006 level in May.  We have appraised and continue to appraise many new properties and I am proud to say the work of the staff has again ensured that we have passed the independent audit required by Colorado.

Here are some facts from our 2007 work.

The overall assessed value of the county tax base dropped 4%.

The specific percentage average breakdown of value changes for significant property types are as follows:

The primary reason for gains was the strong market of real estate through June 30, 2006 and as for losses, a lower value for natural gas was caused by increased gas production/supply throughout the West. Taxable production, too, fell by 5% in La Plata County.

In terms of which property sector will pay what share of general county taxes; a comparison with last year is as follows:

Very soon taxing entities will be conducting 2008 budget hearings. I encourage you to monitor the public notices/articles in the newspaper and then, using last years tax notice or the http://itax.co.laplata.co.us website you will be able to discover which entities you support with your tax bill.

Stay informed and become a part of deciding how your tax dollars are prioritized in your “tax” neighborhood. 

The Assessor’s office is happy to answer taxpayer questions about valuation at any time.  Please use our website or call 970-382-6221.

Sincerely,

Craig N. Larson
La Plata County Assessor, 382-6235