Editor:
I want to make you aware of a recent example of the excellent and thorough work being performed by Ouray County Assessor Susie Mayfield.
As you may know, state laws require Ouray County to collect taxes on certain real and personal (business) properties in Colorado on behalf of local taxing districts. For example, the bill you get from the Ouray County treasurer is the sum total of monies being collected for mill levies on behalf of the County; Ridgway and Ouray Library District; Ridgway, Ouray and Montrose School Districts; Cedar Hill and Dallas Park Cemetery Districts; Colorado River Conservation District; Tri-County Water Conservation District; Ouray, Ridgway and Log Hill Fire Districts; Cornerstone Metro District; Loghill Park and Recreation District; etc.
Thus, if Susie Mayfield had not challenged the state on a 2012 State Assessed valuation of Rocky Mountain Natural Gas property within Ouray County there would have been significant impacts to 22 different taxing authorities or funds, including local school districts, fire districts, and library districts. The State, not the County, assesses the value of certain accounts like utilities, including Rocky Mountain Natural Gas.
In 2011 the State Assessed value of Rocky Mountain Natural Gas property within Ouray County was approximately $4.74 million. When Susie received notice from the State that the 2012 value was only $499,300 -- a drop of almost 90% in one year -- she submitted a protest to the Division of Property Taxation. Because of Susie's protest, the state reevaluated the Rocky Mountain Natural Gas property value and the new 2012 Final Notice of Valuation assesses the value at $5.37 million.
This means Susie has protected revenues the County collects for 22 different taxing district accounts. The most significantly affected districts are: Ouray School District…approx. $36,000; Ridgway School District…approx. $3,170; Ouray Fire Protection District…approx. $7,000; Ouray Library District…approx. $2,100; and Ouray County's four funds combined…approx. $20,270. Without Susie's protest these entities would be receiving about 90 percent less this year.
Thanks Susie!
Sincerely,
– Lynn Padgett, Ouray County Commissioner, District 1
Kudos for Ouray County Assessor Susie Mayfield
Aug 16, 2012 | 175 views | 0 
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