Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
News
By Sara Wilson Colorado Newsline, on December 13, 2023
Property tax policy group takes shape

Commission of 19 members charged with finding solutions to rising assessments

A commission set to begin work this month on brainstorming a solution to rising property tax bills in Colorado now has a full roster as state leaders complete their appointments.

The 19-member Commission on Property Taxation was born out of a recent special legislative session. As lawmakers worked over four hectic days to deliver short-term property tax relief for the current tax year, they also created the commission as a way to address the longer-term issue.

Colorado legislators went back to the Capitol in November after the defeat of Proposition HH, a Democrat-led ballot measure that would have cut residential and commercial property tax rates over a decade. They passed seven bills, including a bill to cut the property tax rate to 6.7% for 2023, another bill for $30 million in emergency rental assistance, and another bill to establish the commission.

The commission’s purpose is to “identify, consider, and evaluate legislative options for a permanent and sustainable property tax structure for the state,” according to the bill’s legislative declaration. That means coming up with ideas that soften the rise in property taxes while making sure local governments and public schools, which rely on that tax revenue, are able to operate.

Colorado homeowners are facing sharp rises in their property tax bills as home values increase, especially since voters repealed the Gallagher Amendment in 2020. That amendment prevented property taxes from rising too quickly, but it created local budgetary burdens.

The makeup of the commission shifted during the legislative process, but the final iteration includes more local voices — there are five county commissioners from different parts of the state, up from the two included in the original version of the bill. People who serve on the bipartisan committee will have substantial influence on the state’s property tax landscape for years to come if their ideas make it through the legislative process.

“The appointments I made to the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax bring a wealth of knowledge to this policy space and are well-aligned with the different needs of Coloradans living around the state, including in our mountain towns and low-income communities. Addressing the rising cost of living is a top priority for Colorado Democrats and this commission is an important step toward making it easier to not only live in our beautiful state, but thrive,” House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said in a statement.

Appointments for most of the seats were made by legislative leaders from both parties. Gov. Jared Polis made two appointments and groups representing impacted communities, like schools and local governments, made the others.

These are the members of the commission:

  • Sen. Chris Hansen, a Democrat from Denver. Hansen was a prime sponsor on the main property tax relief bill passed during the special session in November, as well as the bill that laid the groundwork for Proposition HH. He was appointed by Senate President Steve Fenberg, a Democrat.
  • Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, a Democrat from Lakewood who also serves as speaker pro tempore in the House. He also sponsored the special session property tax relief bill and the bill from earlier this year that became Proposition HH. He was a vocal and visible advocate for the passage of Proposition HH. He was appointed by McCluskie.
  • Sen. Mark Baisley, a Republican from Sedalia. He was a prime sponsor of a successful bipartisan bill earlier this year that more easily allows local governments to provide temporary property tax relief. He was appointed by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Republican.
  • Rep. Lisa Frizell, a Republican from Castle Rock. Frizell also sponsored the bipartisan local property tax reduction bill, as well as a bill to create a property tax exemption for charitable low-income housing. In a statement, Frizell said that she hopes the commission can “finally produce bipartisan solutions to this complicated and important issue.” She was appointed by House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, a Republican.
  • Andy Kerr, a current Jefferson County commissioner and former state lawmaker. He was appointed by Fenberg.
  • Tamara Pogue, a Summit County commissioner. She was appointed by McCluskie.
  • Lori Laske, an Alamosa County commissioner. She was appointed by Lundeen.
  • Chris Richardson, an Elbert County commissioner. He was appointed by Lynch.
  • Ann Terry, the executive director of the Special District Association.
  • Bob Olme, the treasurer of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs association and the support services chief for West Metro Fire Rescue.
  • Brenda Dones, the Weld County assessor. She was appointed by Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat.
  • Brett Johnson, the chief financial officer at Aurora Public Schools. He was appointed by the Colorado Association of School Executives.
  • Cody Davis, a Republican Mesa County commissioner. He was appointed by Polis.
  • Guyleen Castriotta, the mayor of Broomfield. She was appointed by the Colorado Municipal League.
  • JoAnn Groff, Colorado’s property tax administrator.
  • Jonathan Cappelli, the executive director of the Neighborhood Development Collaborative, a coalition of Denver-area nonprofits that provide low income housing. He was appointed by McCluskie.
  • Kevin Vick, the vice president of the Colorado Education Association. He was appointed by Fenberg.
  • Loren Furman, the president and CEO of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. She was appointed by Lundeen.
  • Sean Dougherty, a former Larimer County commissioner and realtor. He is on the legislative policy committee for the Colorado Association of Realtors. He was appointed by Lynch.

The commission will meet twice per month until March, when it will present its work and findings to the governor and Legislature. That gives lawmakers enough time to pass a potential bill or package of bills the commission recommends. Lawmakers head back to the Capitol for the 120-day regular lawmaking term in January.

Colorado Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Visit coloradonewsline to sign up for newsletters and learn more.

Get into the groove
Main, News...
Get into the groove
July 2, 2025
Carrie Ann Mund, left, dances with Tawnya Schiebel during the Mariachi de San Jose band’s performance in Ridgway’s Hartwell Park on June 29. The band performed as part of the fifth annual Fete de la M...
this is a test
Main, News...
Leaders object to public lands sale
Conservationists, ranchers, elected officials decry bill, though battle over federal property may return
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
Recent federal proposals to sell or develop Ouray County’s public lands would harm the county’s economy, identity and culture of ranching and public recreation, according to county officials and other...
this is a test
Main, News...
Sex assault trial moved to Montrose
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
A judge has ordered the trial of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in 2023 to be moved from Ouray to Montrose. Seventh Judicial Chief District Judge Cory Jackson approved the tri...
this is a test
Celebrating the Fourth in Ouray? Load up on sunscreen, patience, courtesy
Feature
Celebrating the Fourth in Ouray? Load up on sunscreen, patience, courtesy
Private security to help with traffic, parking, so law enforcement can be more proactive
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
The sights and sounds of the Fourth of July in Ouray are ubiquitous. The powerful spray of fire hoses. The shrieks of kids racing through Fellin Park. Cheers and honking horns on Main Street. This yea...
this is a test
News
New weapons policy would ban public, allow employees to conceal carry
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
County leaders are debating a new policy that would ban the public from carrying any weapons within Ouray County buildings but allow county employees with valid permits to conceal carry weapons in mos...
this is a test
News
County to debate Yankee Boy Basin restrictions
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
Ouray County officials will hold a work session to consider a resident's request to partially restrict motorized access in Yankee Boy Basin, which cited safety and environmental concerns. Resident Jen...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Meet your neighbor: Robert Stoufer
Feature
Meet your neighbor: Robert Stoufer
By By Chloe Kiparsky Plaindealer intern 
July 2, 2025
Name: Robert Stoufer Age: 73 Lives in: Ouray When did you come to Ouray? I studied to be a geologist, but I never did geology for a living. I went to college in Mississippi, and did grad school in Kan...
this is a test
News
Fire bans imposed throughout region
By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com 
July 2, 2025
Several governments in the region adopted stage 1 fire restrictions this week, making it illegal to use personal fireworks, have any sort of open burning or lighting campfires outside permanent fire p...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Sign money could have been better spent
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor: We were out camping last weekend and received a call from a tenant in our Main Street commercial building. She was upset about the new sign that went up in front of our building. It block...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Cuts harm forecasts
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor: I write in support of Karen Risch's column last week about staffing at the National Weather Service office in Grand Junction. Federal budget cuts have inhibited efforts to restaff the off...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Congrats, Swiss Village
July 2, 2025
Dear Editor: Congratulations to the residents for your success at preserving Swiss Village Mobile Home Park! Your perseverance paid off. Thank you to Jay and Jackie, civic-minded people all along, who...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy