Garfield County property tax bills mailed

PRESS RELEASE
January 30, 2014

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Property owners in Garfield County are receiving property tax notices in the mail. The Garfield County Treasurer’s office staff mailed about 30,000 property tax bills to Garfield County property owners January 24.

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has certified $132,076,279 in taxes to be collected through this tax cycle, according to Garfield County Treasurer Georgia Chamberlain. That is a reduction of more than $37 million from last year’s total, and was factored into the 2014 budget planning process for the county and for other local taxing entities.

The 28.31% decrease in certified taxes is attributed to a decline in the total valuation of virtually every property classification within the county. Oil and gas production and property continue to account for approximately 70% of the total assessed value in Garfield County, so the substantial decrease in value has a proportionately substantial impact on taxes. In areas of the county without oil and gas activity, the decrease in the assessed value of the other classifications had a similar affect.

The 2013 abstract of assessment is available on the Garfield County website. This abstract is the final tabulation of valuation, revenues, and levies. Citizens can contact the assessor’s office if they have any questions regarding the value of their properties or the valuation process.

“Many property tax bills are paid through mortgage companies, and property owners should verify that their bills have been paid from their escrow accounts,” said Chamberlain. “If you pay your property tax bill directly and you do not receive a tax notice in the mail in the next couple of weeks, please contact our office, because you still have to meet the deadlines for payment.”

Taxes may be paid in two half-payments or one full payment. For those who would like to pay their property taxes in two payments, the first half is due by February 28 and the second half is due by June 16. For those who would like to make one payment, full payment is due by April 30, 2014. Postmarks are accepted.

Payments may also be made online at garfield-county.com/treasurer, and details on the payment process are available online as well. The treasurer’s office also accepts payments Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the office at 109 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, in the Garfield County Courthouse building, or in Rifle at 144 East 3rd Street. Citizens may also mail their payments to P.O. Box 1069, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602.

For tax payment questions, contact the treasurer’s office 970-945-6382. For property or valuation questions, contact the assessor’s office 970-945-9134. Senior citizens with questions regarding the state-funded tax deferral program should contact the treasurer’s office to complete this process. For questions regarding the Senior Exemption or Homestead Exemption program, senior citizens should contact the assessor’s office.

Contacts:
Garfield County Treasurer’s office, 970-945-6382
Garfield County Assessor’s office, 970-945-9134