Annual property tax bills have been mailed, and they look a little different this year for taxpayers living within the Bayfield or Durango school districts.
Voters approved mill levies for both districts in November, which means taxpayers within the Bayfield School District boundaries will pay an additional 11.32 mills for that tax, and those within Durango School District 9-R boundaries will be taxed an additional 1.2 mills.
In other words, a Bayfield resident would pay about $200 more on a $280,000 home, and a Durango resident about $45 more on a $500,000 home.
“We’ve received quite a few phone calls protesting the increases,” La Plata County Treasurer Allison Aichele. “One woman is trying to go to court to remove an increase from her tax bill. Some people who didn’t know about the vote are surprised.”
New taxes are expected to raise $1.7 million for Durango schools and $28.6 million for Bayfield schools.
Homeowners can object to their tax bills through the county assessor’s office, though abatements are usually reserved for those whose property was damaged by something such as a fire or natural disaster.
Residents can pay taxes in two half-payments due Feb. 28 and June 15, or a full payment due May 1.
Taxpayers are encouraged to pay using one of the online processes introduced last year. Payment can be made with a debit card or electronic debit payment at the county website at laplatacounty.org, or by e-check through a bank.
“That really saves money in the processing costs,” Aichele said. “We’re trying to save as much as we can in the general fund since it will be down $7 million.”
Payments also can be made by credit card, which will add a 2.19 percent convenience fee, or mail a check to LPC Treasurer, P.O. Box 912928, Denver, CO 80291.
The assessor’s office is re-evaluating all county properties this year, which means 2018 tax bills likely will be higher to reflect an anticipated increase in assessed values.
jpace@durangoherald.com
