Colorado Property Tax Crisis and the Fight for Local Government Accountability

On this Thursday, May 25, 2023 broadcast, Kim Monson tackles the property tax crisis facing Colorado homeowners as valuations skyrocket ahead of the June 8th appeal deadline. In-studio guests Josh Lallement, President of Liberty Toastmasters Denver, and Steve Peck, Douglas County GOP Chair, examine how bureaucratic growth and school board tax proposals threaten taxpayers already squeezed by inflation.

Property Tax Valuations and the Coming Crisis

Start listening at 60:24 – Hour 2

Karen Levine, award-winning REMAX realtor, reports that property values have surged dramatically due to the two-year study period capturing peak appreciation. She notes that roughly half of the assessments are accurate, but many homeowners face sticker shock. Levine emphasizes that taxpayers have the right to appeal their valuations through June 8th, even with just a simple postcard stating disagreement with the assessed value.

The real impact will hit homeowners in January when tax bills arrive. Without mill levy adjustments, Coloradans face increases of 35 to 60 percent. Governor Polis has proposed Proposition HH, but as Kim notes, this measure is designed to gut TABOR rather than provide genuine tax relief.

“We are finding that about probably over 50% of these values are actually accurate. But I think what people need to understand is because the study period is a two-year period, they, the assessor’s office, are having to make adjustments for appreciation.”

Karen Levine, REMAX Alliance Realtor

Douglas County Schools and the Tax Increase Question

Start listening at 68:24 – Hour 2

Steve Peck breaks down the Douglas County School Board’s failed tax increase from the previous fall. The vote against the tax hike actually outperformed Republican candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, demonstrating that fiscal conservatism unites Douglas County voters across party lines. Despite this clear message, questions remain about whether the board will attempt another tax increase in 2023.

Peck explains the three elements of property taxes: assessed value, mill rate, and state legislature allocations. He describes the bureaucratic inertia within school district administration that constantly pushes for more employees, more buildings, and expanded footprints. When asked about teacher pay competitiveness, Peck notes that less than 50 percent of the previous tax increase actually went to teacher salaries despite campaign promises.

“There is inertia on the side of growth and adding FTEs, raising taxes, building buildings, buying buildings, and just expanding the overall footprint of the school district, because that’s what bureaucracies do.”

Steve Peck, Douglas County GOP Chair

Taxation as Modern Slavery

Start listening at 67:34 – Hour 2

Josh Lallement, a libertarian who has served on the Colorado Libertarian Party state board, delivers a stark assessment of taxation. When government believes it owns the fruits of your labor, that constitutes slavery. He argues that the “it takes a village” mentality has led to taxation so prevalent that parents cannot provide for their own children’s welfare and education.

The solution, Lallement contends, is drastic tax cuts that restore economic sovereignty to individuals and families. This perspective underscores a recurring theme throughout the broadcast: the tension between centralized government control and individual liberty.

“When they think they own the fruits of your labor, that’s slavery. And government thinks they own the fruits of your labor.”

Josh Lallement, President of Liberty Toastmasters Denver

Peace Through Strength: A Table Topics Discussion

Start listening at 30:19 – Hour 1

Liberty Toastmasters members call in for the Table Topics segment on “Peace Through Strength.” Brad Beck, founder of Liberty Toastmasters, honors his father’s 90th birthday and family members who served from World War I through Afghanistan. He quotes philosopher Spinoza that peace is not the absence of war but a virtue based on strength of character.

Rick Rome emphasizes situational awareness and moral strength, noting the obligation to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Bill Federer offers a contrarian view, questioning whether military spending has achieved peace, referencing Vietnam and Afghanistan. Dave Walden connects military strength to economic strength rooted in freedom, citing the Arsenal of Democracy that won World War II. Russ Farmer adds nuance, arguing that strength is necessary but not sufficient for peace without the right principles.