BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. — A local homeowner’s legal challenge against the Summit County government and its assessor was recently thrown out by a judge, ending a contentious dispute over property tax valuations. The lawsuit, which was initiated by Todd Ruelle, owner of a property in the Peak 7 neighborhood of unincorporated Breckenridge, sought to contest the 2023 and 2024 tax year assessments set by Summit County Assessor Lisa Eurich.
The motion to dismiss the case was granted in December by Judge Karen Romeo, according to court documents. The dismissal, agreed upon by both parties, stipulated that each would cover their own legal expenses. The conflict centered on procedural grounds rather than the substance of the property valuation itself.
Summit County’s legal representatives argued that the lawsuit was invalid as the court lacked jurisdiction. This was primarily because Ruelle did not file timely appeals with the county board of equalization for either contested tax year. Normally, such appeals are prerequisite steps for property owners contesting assessments.
The county expressed relief at the lawsuit’s conclusion. Adrienne Saia Isaac, the Summit County communications director, commented on the dismissal, stating it resolved baseless claims against the county and the Assessor’s office. Isaac also emphasized the importance for property owners to adhere to the established deadlines and procedures for appeals, which are detailed on the assessor’s website.
Ruelle’s lawyer, Alex Dorotik, claimed the jurisdictional dismissal came down to a failure to appeal to the board of equalization. However, Dorotik highlighted a communication issue, noting that Ruelle had not received any formal denial of his contestation from the Assessor’s office, which ignored his requests for such documentation. This oversight, according to Dorotik, was a significant factor in the decision to go to court.
The county responded by noting its requirement to notify property owners of valuation decisions through mail. It maintained that property owners bear the responsibility of following up on their appeals, especially if they do not receive expected notices.
Looking forward, Dorotik mentioned that Ruelle intends to challenge the next assessment of his property in 2025. Should his appeal be denied again, Ruelle is prepared to file a similar lawsuit, potentially setting the stage for another legal showdown.
This recent legal fracas highlights the complexities and procedural necessities intertwined with property tax assessments and the appeals process in Summit County. Property owners and county officials alike must navigate these waters carefully to ensure that tax valuations are fair and consistently applied, all within the confines of legal deadlines and requirements.
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