The Rocky Mountain West is experiencing a property tax crisis, with residents like Marleen Gamble in Colorado feeling the squeeze. Gamble, an 84-year-old retired X-ray technician, has been forced to sell off her belongings to pay a 20 percent increase in her property tax bill. With no other source of income besides Social Security, she is struggling to make ends meet.
The surge in property taxes is a result of booming home values in the region, driven by a pandemic real estate boom and an influx of new residents. State and local governments are scrambling to find solutions to provide relief to residents, but face challenges in keeping up with the demand for services.
In Colorado, where property taxes are calculated based on a home’s value and local mill levy rates, homeowners are feeling the impact of skyrocketing taxes. The repeal of the Gallagher Amendment in 2020 has also contributed to the problem, putting pressure on residents, especially those on fixed incomes.
Governor Jared Polis has convened a special session of the state legislature to address the issue, but finding a permanent solution remains a challenge. Residents in areas like Pitkin County, home to Aspen, are feeling the strain, with property taxes climbing by 27 percent this year.
Efforts to provide relief, such as rebate programs for eligible homeowners, are being rolled out in some areas. However, the debate over how to address the property tax crisis continues, with disagreements over proposed bills and tax structures.
As the legislative session in Colorado continues, residents like Marleen Gamble and Mike DeGuire are left grappling with the impact of rising property taxes on their lives. The future remains uncertain as lawmakers work to find a balance between funding essential services and easing the burden on homeowners.
