Douglas County is suing a state board that last month blocked the county’s creative attempt to offer a $28 million property tax break to homeowners by making an across-the-board reduction in previously determined home values.
The 15-page lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Denver District Court against the State Board of Equalization. It argues that the board didn’t have the authority to block the tax break and that it didn’t follow Colorado’s open meetings laws in doing so.
The county is asking a judge to overturn the board’s unanimous decision to stop the reduction in home values.
The Douglas County Commission voted in September to reduce the county’s valuations, determined in May, of single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums by 4%. Assessed property values must be within 5% of the properties’ market value to comply with state law.