Avoid getting a parking ticket because you forgot to move your car on street sweeping day, generally once per month from April to November by following these simple reminders from the city of Denver.
By David Bromberg
The Tax Man Cometh Again
Like clockwork, the postal service delivered thousands of Real Property Notice of Valuation letters to property owners at the beginning of the month. Every two years, County assessors across the state “value” properties to assist in the computation of property taxes to be collected by the counties. For residential properties, a “market/comparable sales” approach is used to determine the value.
Valuation Factors
The comparable homes used were sold during the period January 2007 through June 2008. According to county maps and charts, the western portion of Mayfair (from Holly Street) had an average median value increase of 5.6% from 2007 to 2009. The eastern portion of the neighborhood had an increase of 6.0%. Mayfair’s values faired well compared to our neighboring neighborhoods because of our more modest housing. Consider these changes by comparison: Hilltop less than 1%; Crestmoor 0-3.7%; South Park Hill 3.6%. Country Club and North Polo Club enjoyed the largest gains of 15-23% while Montbello suffered 37-50% decrease in value.
Appeal Process
If you disagree with the county’s valuation of your property, you must submit your protest by June 1 in person (call 720-913-4164 to arrange an appointment), by mail, fax or via the Internet
(www.denvergov.org/onlineprotest). Your appeal document should cover the 18-month period (January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) used by the Assessor in the valuation, and could include an appraisal or market sales information (contact your REALTOR® for assistance). Make sure to retain a copy of your appeal for your records. The assessor will mail a decision regarding your appeal on or before August 31. If you still disagree with the Assessor’s decision, you can continue your appeal by submitting a written appeal by September 15.
Exemptions
Generally, a partial property tax exemption is available for citizens who are 65 or older, and who have lived in their home for at least 10 years prior. The Colorado legislature recently suspended the exemption to help balance the state’s budget.
While no one looks forward to paying taxes each year, they reflect the cost of services we receive from local government. Each year, Denver county collects more than $750 million in property taxes, with rates among the lowest in the metro area. Major expenditures include education, Denver’s general fund, paying off bonds (debt), providing social services, capital maintenance, trash collection, and police and firefighter pensions, all of which in some form contribute to the quality of life we enjoy in Denver and Mayfair.
From June 1 - 15, 2009, Denver is issuing FREE construction permits to homeowners and licensed contractors making qualified home improvements or repairs to existing one- and two-family dwellings in an effort to raise property value and encourage homeowners to stay in existing homes. Types of projects covered include:
All plans must be complete and submitted by June 15. All permitted work shall be finished, inspected and approved within 180 days of permit issue. Any re-inspection fees shall apply. Permits will be issued from Downtown office only (201 W. Colfax Ave).
For more information, please email ResidentialPermits@DenverGov.Org.
Are you looking for a way to get your child outside this fall while they learn the value of hard work, teamwork and fair play? Colorado Fusion Soccer Club is now accepting registration applications for the fall, 2009 youth soccer season.
Fusion provides a first-class professional coaching staff, and dedicated volunteers ready to help your child learn skills that will serve her for the rest of her life -- both on and off the soccer field. Formed three years ago, Fusion reflects the combination of two historic Colorado youth soccer programs, the Denver Soccer Club and the Aurora Soccer Club. With the merger, Fusion focuses on local, neighborhood games for young players from ages 4 to 9, and coaching resources to compete with the best soccer teams in Colorado at the competitive level, while supporting a thriving developmental program.
Today, more than 3,600 boys and girls participate on Fusion teams. Registration forms are available from Fusion offices at 303-399-5858, or from the Fusion web site at www.Coloradofusion.org.
This summer Denver Water implements monthly billing. You can make it easy and save postage by having your payment withdrawn automatically in this free, secure and environmentally friendly bill pay method. Enroll today online in Denver’s Automatic Payment Plan (APP) here. Your next water bill payment will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account.
Are you ready to go paperless? In addition to APP, you can subscribe to receive your water bill via e-mail at http://www.denverwater.org/ebill/subscribe/subscribe.asp. When your E-bill arrives, simply review and file it (APP automatically processes your direct debit payment). After you have enrolled in APP, send the city your email address to begin receiving free electronic bills.
Keep the Plants!
Plastic garden pots of any size or color, hanging baskets (with wires removed), carrying trays, and flower packs of any type will be accepted for recycling at Denver Botanic Gardens, 909 York Street, on June 27th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, participating stores will accept these types of plastics anytime at their locations including Mayfair’s own City Floral at 1440 Kearney St. A list of other participating stores is available online at gardencentersofcolorado.org.
These plastics are not recyclable in your purple Denver Recycles cart so please take advantage of this special event to recycle your garden plastics. No paper, glass, trash, or items other than plastic plant containers will be collected at these events.
Upcoming SCFD Free Days
Visit the SCFD website at www.scfd.org for more information.
Natural Areas Programs
Please call (303) 455-1623 to register to attend, as space is limited.
