Mesa County commissioners have vowed to work with local entities to ease property taxes in the midst of rising home prices.

“Forty-four taxing entities in Mesa County have the ability to reduce their mill levies and help aid in the reduction of taxes owed. We will be coordinating with all of them and encouraging them to reduce the number of mills on your property for the tax year 2023 (payable in January 2024) to help reduce the increasing tax burden,” stated an open letter signed by Commissioners Cody Davis, Bobbie Daniel and Janet Rowland.

The commissioners drafted the letter to explain the actions they plan to take.

According to the letter, median residential property values have increased 39 percent in Mesa County over the past two years.

“At a time when the rising cost of living has left many struggling to cover their monthly bills, many are understandably concerned about their ability to stay in their homes,” the letter stated.

While rising home values affect the amount of property taxes owners pay, the assessment rate and mill levies set by the county, municipalities, school district and other taxing entities also go into the calculation, the letter stated.

The real estate market drives property values, and the Colorado Legislature sets the residential assessment rate of 6.765 percent. But with the exception of school districts, local taxing entities are allowed to decrease mill levies and in turn property taxes.

In the meantime, property owners who disagree with the notices of valuation they’ve received have until June 8 to fill an appeal with the Mesa County Assessor. Appeals may be filed by mail, email, fax or in person.

More information is available from the website at

https://www.mesacounty.us/departments-and-services/assessor/taxpayer-remedies/real-property-appeals-process.

The value of residential property is based on the market approach to value. The value of other property is based on consideration of the market, cost and income approaches to value.