Last minute property tax relief package seems fishy

While the last minute (really the last week) roll out of the solution to the outrageous property valuations was good to see, it still made me wonder how long this set of actions had been up the governor’s sleeve. Remember, timing is everything. It was strictly developed with Democrat legislative leadership and the governor, something you can get away with when you control the trifecta state government. It was well staged and gave the governor top billing. e unveiling of the ballot pack-

Cross Currents

age had Democrat lawmakers, business owners and homeowners anked by the “man of the hour” with his good news. He needs it after his ill-conceived pitch for “a home for every Colorado budget” which would have been at the expense of local government control and the erosion of home-rule powers. Plus, his so-called a ordable housing program was like Swiss cheese with no guarantee builders would end up building dwelling units that people could a ord. Furthermore, it paid no attention to whether or not individual cities where building would take place had su cient water resources and treatment plant capacities.

More details on Colorado tax relief package

By now, you who follow government decision-making and the ar- cane proceedings it sometimes take, know more details about what the package would do assuming voters will approve it in November.

Fundamentally, taxpayers would have their TABOR refund used early by “buying down” the impact of the high increases in property values. So, enjoy it now and don’t look for that TABOR refund check.

According to the governor, the package will reduce residential property tax increases by 50% on average. Just to clarify: It means your property taxes will still be increased. Also, the state would “de-Bruce” state revenues up to a new limit that adds 15% annually to the calculation. For seniors, we would get to keep the “homestead property tax exemption” when we move to a smaller residence. ank you, Guv. e package also would introduce a di erential on property taxes between your primary home and a second home for those who have a “get away” cabin or home. However, it will not change for those second homes which are used as rental property. is was done in deference to resort communities that rely on short term rentals.

As expected, Republicans saw things di erently regarding the package. One conservative group, Advance Colorado, stated “we’ve got a ve-alarm re in Colorado and our governor showed up with a squirt gun.”

Another part of the package I like would allow local governments to o er temporary property tax relief credits or mill levy reductions and later eliminate the credits or re-in-

SEE CHRISTOPHER, P13