People are talking all over social media and in the local bars and coffee shops about property tax increases in Colorado.
The property tax increase has been a hot topic in the media for weeks so chances are you have already figured it out. What I know is that our property taxes increased from $2,400 a year to $3,800. As I understand it, the tax assessments were based on the value of each property as of June 30, 2022. Another factor related to property tax increases has to do with the repeal of the Gallagher Amendment that voters passed through Amendment B in 2020.
Homeowners can appeal the property tax increase. For more information, visit https:// assessor.elpasoco.com/appeals-process-notice- valuation/. Although the tax hikes are a bit shocking, Colorado still enjoys a lower property tax rate than many other states in the country. As of a Feb. 23, 2023, Colorado has the third lowest property tax rate in the country, as of Feb. 23, 2023. Property tax for a house that was worth $343,300 was $1,113 (.51%).
Hawaii, believe it or not, has the lowest tax rate in the country (on a $615,300 home, the tax per year is $606). New Jersey has the highest property tax rate: 2.49% on $335,600 is $5,419 a year. See https://www. rocketmortgage.com/learn/property-taxes-by-state for more information. In other news, we contacted Dunkin’ Restaurants corporate office requesting informa tion on their plans to build a Dunkin’ Donuts in Falcon. They quickly responded and said they are planning on setting up shop in Falcon in 2024.
We placed that information in our “Rumors” space, too, because we figured that most of our readers check out Rumors every month. So, happy days for Dunkin’ Donuts fans. Sadly, Dr. Jim Humphries, our veterinarian/ columnist, is ending his column this month. Dr.
H. has gone through numerous surgeries for major problems related to his back, and he just recently took a fall that is going to require more surgery and a long recovery. He has been with the NFH since 2012, and we appreciate all the information he has relayed to us regarding the health and welfare of our beloved pets. Thank you, Jim, and we wish you all the best. El Paso County Public Health will be periodi- cally submitting articles on health and environ- mental issues we face in our county. Welcome aboard.
June brings us quite a few celebrations. June 18 is Father’s Day and June 19 is Juneteenth (a federal holiday commemorating the emancipa- tion of enslaved African Americans). June 21 is Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year). Oh, and if you are from the Midwest (maybe other areas, too), you can start wearing white shoes in June!
June 10 is also the 10-year anniversary of the Black Forest Fire. The commemoration will take place at the Log School Park in Black Forest.
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn will be among the special guests. See more details in News Briefs on Pg. 15. And this year in June is the wedding of our youngest daughter, Laura. With all three girls married and on their own, maybe we can start saving for retirement! Happy Father’s Day to my husband, my father, my sons-in-law, my brothers-in-law, my nephew and all my dad friends and the NFH team dads! Happy summer everyone!
See you in July!
