Dear County Assessor:
I have submitted our personal property valuation protest with your office.
I felt compelled to do so based not on the disagreement concerning to bring property values to realistic numbers, but the outrageous increase without proper justification.
There is no question that our existing valuation needed to be increased.
Here are the facts as I see them :
1. I live in a private community of 12 duplex buildings, 24 total units. It is a combination of similar one-story and two-story units. This should be sufficient to determine comparable/identical properties.
2. During the assessment period, four units sold; two of the single-story and two of the two-story units. All four sold fully furnished at approx $252 per sq. ft. Then why was I assessed at a value of $350 per sq. ft.? Even if a time value added was allotted, this is nowhere near what sales data shows.
3. Considering our community, all units should be treated equally and fairly, not just the ones who file protests; however, this fairness may not be part of the process. However, I obviously cannot represent other owners.
4. I hope that there has not been any pressure from any county officials, elected or otherwise, to increase the valuations to fund expensive County projects, as this reevaluation will undoubtedly be a windfall to our County government.
P. White
Pagosa Springs