Douglas County homeowners are paying nearly 4% more in property taxes because the State Board of Equalization (SBOE) overturned the County’s efforts to reduce your bill—and the Denver District Court just upheld that decision.
Your Douglas County Commissioners took decisive action to protect homeowners in 2023 by implementing a 3.87% reduction in residential property valuations after a historic property value spike. The reduction, backed by County Assessor Toby Damisch and in consultation with the State Property Tax Administrator, ensured that homeowners weren’t overburdened.
But the State Board of Equalization overruled Douglas County, choosing instead to force higher tax bills on residents. The Commissioners fought back, suing the SBOE, arguing the decision was politically motivated and unfairly targeted Douglas County.
“This is an outrageous overreach by the State—taking money from Douglas County homeowners to fund its budget shortfalls,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon, Board Chair.
Despite Douglas County’s compliance with all applicable laws, the SBOE selectively reversed our reduction while allowing larger valuation adjustments elsewhere—without a hearing.
- Adams County reduced commercial valuations by -5.7%;
- Boulder County reduced commercial valuations by -5.47% and vacant land by -12.9%;
- Costilla County reduced its residential valuations by -9.52%;
- Pitkin County reduced natural resources valuations by -33.47%
“These reductions were left untouched, but Douglas County’s was reversed—because we’re an affluent community,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “This is a blatant attack on local control.”
On January 16, 2024, Douglas County sued the SBOE to restore the property tax reduction. But on March 12, the Denver District Court sided with the State, upholding the reversal and keeping Douglas County homeowners’ tax bills higher.
“The State used its power not to equalize property values, but to rob Douglas County to fund services elsewhere,” said Commissioner George Teal.
The fight isn’t over. Douglas County Commissioners are exploring every legal option to defend taxpayers and restore fairness.
We stand with you and will not stop fighting.