Show All Answers

1. Will property valuations for tax assessments be changing in Delta County in 2020?

Generally, no.  Tax year 2019 was a general re-appraisal year in Colorado.  All taxable properties were re-valued in Delta County in Tax Year 2019.  Tax Year 2020 is an “intervening” year in Colorado’s statutory 2-year reappraisal cycle.  Generally, a property value will only change in Tax Year 2020 if the physical characteristics of the property have changed, or if the property’s use or classification for assessment purposes has changed.  In those cases, the Assessor’s office will send a Notice of Valuation in May, 2020 that will reflect the valuation change.  Otherwise, the insert you receive in your Tax Year 2019 Tax Notice (mailed in January, 2020) serves as your Tax Year 2020 Notice of Valuation, with the actual value of your property stated on the Tax Notice itself.  Using this method to notify taxpayers of their valuation in an intervening year saves several thousand dollars in mailing costs.  The taxpayer has a right to challenge the Tax Year 2020 valuation until June 1, 2020, if he or she believes the valuation of his or her property is incorrect.  Under Colorado law, properties will be reappraised to a new level of value for Tax Year 2021.

2. I have read that property values are increasing. Will this affect the valuation of my property in Delta County?

What will affect property valuations in Delta County is how the real estate market has behaved here during the 18 months prior to June 30, 2018.  First, under Colorado law, the sales data collection period for 2019 and 2020 tax years ended on June 30, 2018 (Colorado requires re-appraisal of all taxable real property to a new level of value every two years—2019 was a “general re-appraisal year”; 2020  is an “intervening” year.) Second, both sales volume have increased and sales prices are generally increasing in Delta County during the data collection period, however, sales price changes have not been universal or even across the county.  Colorado law requires that the Assessor’s appraisal models be representative of the real estate market based on actual arms-length sales that have occurred.  The data collection period for valuations for tax years 2019 and 2020 starts January 1, 2017, and ends June 30, 2018 - what the 2019 valuations will look like will depend on how the Delta County real estate market behaves during the 18 months that began on January 1, 2017.  Please note that these dates are not determined by the assessor, but are set by Colorado statute.  Colorado law (and two published Colorado Court Cases) prohibits the Assessor from considering any sales that occurred after June 30, 2018 for purposes of tax year 2019 and 2020 valuations.

3. How will foreclosures occurring in Delta County affect property valuation for 2019?

Foreclosures that have occurred after June 30, 2018 will, under Colorado law, have no effect on Tax Year 2019 and 2020 valuations because they occurred after the end of the sales data collection period for this re-appraisal cycle.  For foreclosures that occurred during the data collection period that ended June 30, 2018, the following rules apply:  Under Colorado Constitutional, statutory, and/or regulatory provisions, conveyances of property to a financial institution in a foreclosure process (including Deeds in Lieu of Foreclosure) cannot be considered for valuation analysis and modeling purposes because they are deemed to be non-arms-length transactions.  Conveyances of property from a financial institution to a buyer are to be considered and may be used for analysis and valuation modeling purposes if the Assessor determines that they are valid arms-length transactions.

4. I don’t understand why there should be a property tax at all. It seems like a very unfair tax. Why does it continue to be used?

All taxes may be perceived as “unfair” by some individuals or groups.  Each type of tax (sales, income, or property) has advantages and disadvantages—for either the taxpayer or for the government agencies that rely on tax revenue to provide services.  One of the features of the property tax that makes it attractive for those reliant on tax revenues is that the property tax is a relatively stable source of revenue, regardless of short-term fluctuations in the economy.  Many of the government entities that rely on property tax provide services that also are necessary regardless of economic conditions.  Examples of these are schools, county government (road maintenance, law enforcement, etc.), cities and towns (law enforcement, water, sewage treatment, etc.), water districts, cemetery districts, hospital and ambulance districts, and fire protection districts.  Thus, the property tax provides a relatively stable source of revenue to agencies whose services continue to be in demand regardless of economic conditions The property tax is also one of the most cost-efficient taxes to administer and collect—and those collections and distributions are administered locally by the Delta County Treasurer.

5. The Colorado property tax seems especially inequitable and unfair—especially to commercial property owners. Why is this?

The biggest inequity in the Colorado property tax system is that only 7.15% of the market (“actual”) value of residential property is taxable, while 29% of all other property (including commercial and industrial property) is taxable. This inequity is mandated by a formula approved by the Colorado voters and placed into the Colorado Constitution. That formula can only be changed by a vote of the Colorado citizenry. Despite this constitutional inequity, the actual appraisal methods used by Colorado assessors to establish property values are one of the most accurate and fair systems in use by any state. Residential property taxpayers in Colorado pay one of the lowest effective tax rates per dollar of market value of anyplace in the United States—generally ranking from 46th to 50th lowest in the U.S.

6. Can you estimate my taxes based on the value of my property?

The formula for computing taxes is as follows:

Actual Value X Assessment Ratio = Assessed Value. Assessed Value X Mill Levy = Taxes

The Assessor’s responsibility is to determine the actual value and classification of real and personal property. Generally, the Assessment Ratio for real and personal property in Colorado is 29%, except for improved residential property. The residential assessment ratio must be adjusted every two years by the State Legislature to conform with the 1982 “Gallagher” Amendment to the Colorado Constitution. Under the Gallagher Amendment, that ratio is subject to review and possible change by the State Legislature to comply with the formula contained within the Amendment at every two-year re-appraisal cycle. For tax years 2015 and 2016, this ratio was 7.96%, 7.20% for tax years 2017 and 2018, and is currently 7.15%.  The various mill levies are set each December by the various taxing entities. The 1992 “TABOR” Amendment to the Colorado Constitution generally requires a vote to be taken in the appropriate taxing district in order to raise a mill levy. Provisions of the TABOR Amendment regulate the increase in the revenue a taxing entity may be allowed, which can result in lowering of levies under some circumstances. The Assessor has no control of either the setting of the assessment ratio or mill levies.

7. Who makes the rules on property assessment?

Property tax law is formulated like any other state law. Some provisions are enacted by Constitutional Amendment, some by legislation. The Colorado Division of Property Taxation, under the direction of the Property Tax Administrator hired by the Colorado State Board of Equalization (SBOE) formulates policies to administer the property tax laws. The SBOE also has oversight of County Assessors to assure compliance with assessment guidelines. Colorado is one the few states that also utilizes an independently conducted statistical and procedural audit of the assessor’s office to assure compliance with assessment guidelines, state regulations, and state laws. The auditor’s final annual audit report for the Delta County Assessor’s office for each year since 2003 may be accessed at the Delta County website.

8. News media stories have indicated that nearly all taxpayers who contest their assessment get a substantial reduction in value that significantly reduces their tax. Is that true?

Not usually. In many cases, there is no basis for a value adjustment. Many of the value changes which are made during appeal period reflect minor corrections in property inventories, which generally do not cause major value changes. As for taxes, an example of a $1,000 reduction in actual value of an improved residential property would reduce a tax bill by around $4.00 to $6.00 depending on the mill levy.

9. I think you have the correct value on my property, but I feel my taxes are too high. What can you do about that?

The Assessor does not control the setting of mill levies. Taxpayers should consider attending budget hearings of taxing entities prior to the setting of mill levies. Furthermore, nearly all of the regulations and procedures the Assessor must follow are mandated by Constitutional Amendment, Statute, or State Regulation. Taxpayers should contact their Legislators in regard to matters of property taxation policy. The Assessor does not formulate tax policy.

10. I thought the “Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) Amendment” said that taxes could not go up, yet my valuation has increased. How can that be?

The TABOR Amendment restricts the total amount of revenue growth and individual taxing entity (a cemetery district, for example) is allowed each year. This is computed by each entity utilizing a formula that takes into account inflation, new construction in the taxing entity’s boundaries, and other factors. The Amendment does not restrict the amount that an individual’s taxes may change, nor does it place a specific percentage limitation on any individual’s tax change. The Amendment does state that mill levies cannot be raised by a taxing entity without an election, except for very special circumstances. It also specifies that improved residential property must be valued using the market approach to value only.

11. I built my house myself. It cost me much less than the value you have assigned to it. Can’t you take my cost into account when you value it?

No. The 1992 “TABOR” Amendment to the Colorado Constitution mandates that the Assessor may only utilize the market approach to value residential property. Cost or income information can not be considered.

12. The farmer/rancher next door to me has a much lower value on his land than I do on my residential lot. Why?

By Colorado Constitutional provision, agricultural land is valued upon its ability to produce income, using a formula specified by the state, not upon its market value. There are specific requirements that must be met for property to qualify for agricultural designation. Agricultural residences are valued at their market value, just as regular residences are.

13. I am an agricultural landowner with a residence on my land that I do not use as an integral part of my agricultural operation. Why did my property value go up?

Under a Colorado law that went into effect for Tax Year 2012 and thereafter, if a residence is located on agricultural land and the residence is not used as an integral part of the agricultural operation, as defined in the Statute, the Assessor must reclassify up to 2 acres of the agricultural land underlying the residence as residential land. Because residential land must be valued at its market value, and not under the agricultural land valuation formula, the residential land will have a higher land value than a similar acreage of agricultural land.

14. My business real estate has about the same actual value as my residence, but the tax for the commercial property was more than 3½ times my residential tax last year. Why?

Assuming the mill levies are the same, it’s because of the assessment ratio. As discussed above, the assessment ratio for improved residential property has decreased to 7.15% for 2019.  Under the Colorado Constitution and Statutes, commercial property has been and will be assessed at 29% of actual value. In other words, for tax year 2020, the portion of a commercial property’s value that is taxable is estimated to remain over three times the portion of an improved residential property’s value that is taxable. This inequity is part of the Colorado Constitution and can only be changed by a vote of the people.

15. What do my property taxes pay for?

Property taxes pay for all or part of a multitude of local services, from a town cemetery district to county government. By far the largest percentage goes to support the local schools, though. The Assessor’s office has a summary of Assessment and Levies available at the office or on-line (several years of Summaries are available online for information or comparison) which shows where property tax dollars go.

16. What records contained in the Assessor’s office are public?

Generally speaking, assessment records of all types held by the Assessor’s office are deemed public, unless Colorado Statute specifically requires them to be private. Some examples of records for which there is not public access permitted are personal property account records, Real Property and Manufactured Home Transfer Declarations, and individual Senior and Veterans Property Tax Exemption data. Also, names of certain judicial and law enforcement personnel contained within the assessment records can not be displayed on assessment records available on the county website. Some proprietary income and other information supplied to the Assessor pertinent to the owner’s property may be considered confidential; however, generally speaking, information supplied to the Assessor in conjunction with an appeal of valuation becomes public record. To the extent that it is financially feasible, the Delta County Assessor, in compliance with § 24-72-203(II), C.R.S., has a policy of making as much public information as possible available on the Delta County website on a no-charge basis to the public.

17. How does the Assessor’s Office determine what the selling prices were for real property?

From the actual recorded deeds and Real Property Transfer Declarations filed with the County Clerk & Recorder’s office. Colorado is a “public disclosure” state for real property records. When a deed is recorded transferring title to real property for consideration (money, etc.), the sales price of the real property must be disclosed to the County Clerk & Recorder and the County Clerk shall impose a documentary fee based upon that sales price (§ 39-13-102, C.R.S.). It is a crime to purposely misstate the sales price to the County Clerk & Recorder, punishable by a fine and/or jail time upon conviction (§ 39-13-106, C.R.S.). From the documentary fee, the Assessor can readily compute the property’s sales price, as well as by reviewing the Real Property Transfer Declaration. Real property sales prices are a public record and must be publicly available on the Assessor’s records; the Real Property Transfer Declaration, however, is NOT a public document.

18. An appraiser from your office visited my property recently. Why?

In order to ensure that both individual properties and the general population of properties within Delta County are valued correctly, it is necessary for the Assessor’s office to collect data on physical property characteristics. This is best accomplished by field visiting properties. Specific circumstances that will often trigger a field visit are a change in ownership of the property, an appeal of valuation by the property owner, a building or septic permit that indicate new construction or a remodel, and/or an obvious change in the property’s characteristic or use. In addition, as part of the Assessor’s office’s ongoing updating of property characteristics, periodic field visitations to each property in the county are recommended to be conducted at least once every five years.

19. How do I know that an individual visiting my property is an appraiser from your office?

Delta County Assessor’s Office appraisers carry official identification and business cards. They also drive county vehicles with the county name and logo prominently displayed. The appraiser will also identify him or herself as an appraiser from the Assessor’s office to the occupant of the property as soon as practical.

20. What do I do if I feel that the information contained in the Assessor’s records is incorrect? What if I have concerns about my valuation?

If you believe that information we show for your property is incorrect, please contact us. Incorrect information can cause your property to be valued incorrectly and it may cause errors in our valuation modeling that can lead to other properties being incorrectly valued, as well. If you are concerned that your valuation is incorrect, you may file an appeal of your valuation during the statutorily required appeal period outlined on your Notice of Valuation.

21. If I request that an appraiser field visit my property, do I have to pay for that individually?

No. Field appraisal work conducted by Assessor’s office employees as part of their official duties are a cost of doing business that is absorbed as an operating expense by the County and is included in the Assessor’s budget. Please note that any appraisal work conducted by Assessor’s office appraisal personnel as part of their official duties is for purposes of property tax assessment only.

22. I know that there are structures on my property or other properties that you do not have assessed. Why should I tell you about that?

Assuring that the property tax burden is distributed fairly and equitably under the law depends upon the Assessor having accurate records of property characteristics. If a property owner’s structures are omitted from the tax roll, it means that the other taxpayers in the county can wind up paying more than their fair share of taxes. It is in everyone’s interest that properties be correctly assessed. Some people wrongly assume that evading correct assessment of their property is a way to withhold revenue from government. It is not. What it does do is force other taxpayers to pay a greater share of the tax burden than they would otherwise bear.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I apply for a passport?

Locally, passports can be applied for at the U.S. Post Offices in Delta, Montrose or Grand Junction. Information and application forms can be obtained from the State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-4USA-PPT or TDD/TYY: 1-888-874-7793 (toll free). Please note that as of January 23, 2007, all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda are now required to present a valid passport when entering the United States at any airport as of January 23, 2007. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website at www.dhs.gov for up-to-date passport requirements and how they might affect you. Link to State Department...

2. I’m from out-of-state. How do I register my vehicle in Colorado?

You will need:

Your title (if your vehicle has a lien we will accept a photocopy of the title showing lien information) or a current out-of-state registration
Proof of insurance.
A VIN inspection from any local law enforcement agency or licensed automobile dealer.
Fees will vary depending on type and year of vehicle.

3. How can I get a duplicate car title?

Duplicate Colorado titles can usually be printed over the counter at the Clerk’s Office. You will need your vehicle registration, a photo I.D., and $8.20. Duplicate titles can only be printed for an owner of the vehicle.

4. I bought (or leased) a new vehicle, but haven’t received anything from the dealer and my temporary permit is about to expire. What can I do?

Your automobile dealer will complete your paperwork and send it directly to the County Clerk Office in your county. When we receive your paperwork it is processed and a postcard is sent to you notifying you that your vehicle is ready to be licensed. If your permit is about to expire and we have not received your paperwork, an extension of your temporary can be issued. Be sure to bring your temporary registration (pink slip) with you. If you paid cash for your new vehicle, the title and other paperwork will be mailed directly to you. Please bring all your paperwork in when you are ready to buy a license.

5. Can I use my Colorado issued marriage license in another state? How long is it valid?

Colorado issued marriage licenses are valid only in Colorado and are only valid for 30 days.

6. Can I get a Birth Certificate in Delta County if I was born in another Colorado County?

Yes. Birth Certificates can be obtained for any birth in Colorado back as far as 1900.

7. Can I get a Death Certificate for someone who died in another county?

No, you must apply for the Death Certificate in the county in which the death occurred. We can provide you with addresses for other Colorado Counties and Vital Statistics Offices in other states.

8. Where do I apply to become a Notary Public or renew my Notary Commission?

Go to the Colorado Secretary of State's website and click on Notary Public under the Licensing Center.

NOTE: As of July 1, 2007, to reduce costs, the Secretary of State’s Office will no longer mail renewal reminder post cards to notaries when their terms are about to expire. Notaries who wish to apply for reappointment will be able to obtain the necessary materials from our website, and renewal forms are now accepted up to 90 days prior to the current commission expiration date. Link...

Show All Answers

1. What is Delta County Alerts and why should I register?

Delta County Alerts is the official reverse emergency notification system for Delta County and parts of Gunnison (Somerset, McClure Pass, County Road-12 and County Road-265) and Montrose County (Maher/Crystal Creek) that Delta County Dispatch services.  Delta County Dispatch and emergency management will use the Delta County Alerts system to send official, real-time focused alerts to members of the public about potential life safety issues happening in your neighborhood and what steps residents may need to stay safe.

2. I already signed up for CodeRED - Do I have to sign up again?

Yes, due to the transition from CodeRED to Delta County Alerts, we need all Delta County residents to register for the new system to ensure we have complete and accurate contact information in the notification system to include: address, cell phone, home phone (if applicable), email, and cell phone number.   Use of the CodeRED system by Delta County will end on January 15, 2023.   If you previously created an account with CodeRED, that online account will stop working in January 2023 and you need to create a new account online with Delta County Alerts. 

3. How will I know if a call, text or email is from Delta County Alerts?

Great question! We recommend you create a contact in your cell phone contacts with the below information so you can easily recognize emergency alerts coming to your phone! 

• Emails will come from Delta County Alerts (noreply@genasys.com) 
• Phone calls will display a caller ID number as Delta County Alerts - 970-874-5905 
• Text messages will use the short code 65513

4. What are the benefits of registering for Delta County Alerts?

Registering for Delta County Alerts has many benefits including:

• You will receive emergency alerts from Delta County and first responders in an emergency occurring near your home
• Registering creates a FREE account which allows you to manage your home and work address to receive location-specific alerts
• Registering allows you to choose how you want to be notified. You can choose to receive information via a phone call, text, and email. A mobile app is also coming in 2023. 

5. Who can register for Delta County Alerts?

Anyone who lives, works or owns property in Delta county or within the Delta County 911 dispatch area which includes the Maher area of Montrose County and out to the Black Canyon and the Somerset / Hwy 133 McClure Pass, Kebler Pass and County Road 265 Muddy Creek areas in Gunnison County.  Visitors or people with family in the notification area may also register to receive alerts! 

6. I know someone who needs assistance registering - how can they get assistance?

If you, a family member, friend or neighbor need assistance registering for Delta County Alerts, please call the Delta County Sheriff's Office at 970-874-2000 (Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or email Emergency Management.  You can also register by texting the words "deltacounty" (must be lower case) to 65513. 

7. Do I need to provide an address or location when I register?

YES - we highly recommend that everyone provide a home and/or work physical address when registering.  The Delta County Alerts system works best to notify you of incidents near your home when the system has a physical address programmed into the system. If we do not have your address, the system will not be able to send geo-targeted  alerts or critical weather alerts.   We also recommend that you register your children's school address on your account so you can be alerted to public safety issues alerts near the school.

Note, regardless of whether you register your full address, the system will prompt all users to provide the following information to assist us in sending emergency notifications to geographical regions of the county:

• Home Zip Code
• Select the Fire Protection District you live in
• Select the area of your residence from the list of geographical areas 

8. Will my contact information be shared with others?

No, the information you provide will only be used by local system administrators to send you alerts. Your contact information will never be sold to an outside entity. 

9. What would cause me to NOT receive a Delta County Alert?

The following are just a few examples of reasons why you may NOT receive Delta County Alerts:

• You haven't registered with the Delta County Alert System - if you don't register we can't send you alerts! 
• Your contact information is not up to date. If you change phone numbers or emails, be sure to update your profile! 
• You did not enable the SMS checkbox next to your phone number when registering to receive messages on your cell phone. 
• Your phone was out of service, powered off or busy for an extended period of time when the alert was sent. 
• Your cell phone service is out of service or doesn't have a Wi-Fi/Internet connection.  You must have data connection to receive alerts via either cell service or Wi-Fi
• Your email provider may have placed the email in your spam/junk email folder.  Please add Delta County Alerts (noreply@genasys.com) to your trusted mail list. 

10. I am moving or want to remove my information from the system. How do I unsubscribe?

If you are moving out of the area or no longer wish to receive emergency alerts, you may unsubscribe directly from inside your registration portal.   Please login to your Delta County Alerts account, go to the "unsubscribe" button on the left side of your account and follow the prompts.  This will delete all contact data from the system. If you need assistance, please contact Delta County Emergency Management at 970-874-2004 or email Emergency Management. 

Show All Answers

1. Does the Land Use Code require building permits?

No.  Generally, building permits still are not required in the unincorporated areas of Delta County.  However, development must comply with standards in the Delta County Land Use Code (e.g. setbacks), and lands within the Highway 92 Overlay require a building permit.  Also, Electrical and Plumbing permits are required through the State Division of Professions and Organizations (DPO), Well permits are required through the State Division of Water Resources (DWR), and Septic permits are required from the County Health Department.  

Delta County adopted a Land Use Code, but has not adopted Building Codes.  These are separate regulations where Land Use Codes provide direction of what can occur where, and Building Codes provide minimum specifications how a structure must be built.

2. Does the Land Use Code prohibit subdivision?

No.  Zoning designations establish the minimum parcel size and lot dimensions (Chapter 3.A, Table 3.a LUC).  Lot sizes range from smaller lots (7,500 sf) in the Urban Growth Areas (UGA) to larger lots (35+ Acres) in the A-35 zone.  Existing parcels smaller than the minimum parcel size are lawful and not restricted. 

A property owner can request to divide off a portion of their parcel that does not meet the minimum lot size.  However, the Board of Adjustments (BOA) must grant a variance from the minimum standards (lot size, lot width, frontage, etc.) before such subdivision can be approved.  

Findings to approve a variance include: a) extraordinary and exceptional situation or condition (e.g. topographical constraint); b) difficulty or hardship; c) consistent with purpose of the Land Use Code.  In addition, a variance to reduce lot size also requires findings that the parcel; a) conforms to all other requirements of the Code; b) meets the minimum lot dimensions for the zoning designation; c) does not interfere with wildlife habitat; and d) are not part of a prior subdivision and will be restricted from further subdivision.  

For subdivisions approved/submitted prior to the 2021 Land Use Code

• Expiration.  A Final Plat is required to be completed within one (1) year from Sketch Plan or Preliminary Plat approval.  The plat automatically expires if not completed within one year, or an extension was granted by the Board of County Commissioners prior to expiring.  
• Vacation.  A Plat approved to be completed in phases is automatically vacated if the project is not completed within three (3) years from completion of the Final Plat for Phase 1, or an extension was granted by the Board of County Commissioners prior to this term expiring.

Subdivisions processed under the regulations in place prior to the 2021 Land Use Code must be completed January 5, 2022 pursuant to Resolution 2021-R-001. 

EXAMPLE: A property has 20 acres and is zoned A-35.  The owner wants to divide off a 2-acre portion for their family.  Said owner may apply for a variance to create one new lot that does not meet the minimum lot size.  With a variance for last size, all property involved in the division would be prohibited from any further subdivision.

3. Can I continue a pre-existing use that is not allowed in my zoning designation?

Yes, if it is a lawful use/structure.   Uses/Structures established in conformance with the rules in place at the time, but that are not consistent with the Land Use Code are considered lawful (aka legal nonconforming).  A legal nonconforming use/structure may be continued and maintained in reasonable repair, but shall not be altered or expanded.

No, if it is an unlawful use/structure.   Uses/Structures that were not consistent with the rules in place and are not consistent with the Land Use Code are considered unlawful (nonconforming).  The Code does not allow for the perpetuation of unlawful development.

4. Does the Land Use Code affect my property taxes?

No.  The Delta County Assessor appraises property based on the actual use of the property, regardless of the zoning designation.

5. Does the Land Use Code allow secondary or accessory units?

Yes.  While the Land Use Code is not based on density, one residence is allowed per lot in general.  Up to two (2) additional residences may be allow provided there are permitted water connections for each unit, there is capability to provide adequate wastewater systems (e.g. septic), and the units are designed such that the units meet standards if the property were to be subdivided in the future (e.g. setbacks).  At least one (1.0) acre is required for each wastewater system unless a septic variance is granted by the Health Department (Environmental Health).  Development of four (4) or more units requires a Zoning Permit.

Show All Answers

1. When do I report to Pretrial Services as required by my bond?

You are required to report to the Pretrial Services Office within 24 hours of your release from jail.  Office location and hours are listed above.

2. How much does the program cost?

There is no initial cost for pretrial services.  Some fees may be imposed if you are non-compliant with the conditions of your bond.

3. How long does pretrial supervision last?

Pretrial supervision and services terminate once you are sentenced in Court.

Show All Answers

1. How do I find a solar installer?

• There are various local installers all over Delta County along with some in Montrose and Mesa Counties that may travel to help you install your system.
• A list of area installers is located here.

2. Can I benefit from the state and federal tax credits?

The federal tax credit that pays back 30% of the cost of your system is in effect until the end of 2019; it drops to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021. Beginning in 2022, the credit expires for residences and drops to 10% for businesses. The federal tax credit can be taken over two years. These amounts are deducted from  the amount of tax you owe (before withholding), so if you do not owe enough taxes, you may not be able to claim the full tax credit. Since nonprofit organizations do not pay income  taxes, they cannot benefit from  the solar tax credits.

NOTE: This information is provided as a guideline only. Consult your tax advisor for complete information applicable to your situation.

3. What financing options are available for installing solar?

• The State of Colorado just began a new financing program for homes called RENU loan. To learn more, check out the RENU website. 
• Delta County has adopted the Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C­-PACE) program.  Colorado C-PACE is a financing tool that allows commercial and multifamily property owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency, water conservation, and other clean energy improvements on existing and newly constructed properties, with repayment of the financing through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill.  Video link: https://player.vimeo.com/video/163736731?autoplay =1.
• Farms and rural small businesses may also qualify for a 25% grant from the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
• The Colorado Department of Agriculture and Colorado Energy Office also has a program for farms that are looking for energy upgrades or renewable energy.
• Installers often offer financing options "power purchase agreements" that generally do not require any up-front payments but offer monthly energy savings.  Under these arrangements, the financing entity owns the system and takes advantage of tax credits.  For more information on how this works see these links: https://www.energysage.com/solar/financing/should-you-buy-or-lease-your-solar-panel-system/ or https://youtu.be/oKRHFGUMp8o?list=UUtviAZdD4s2EhemjPLQTs7g.

4. What maintenance will my system require?

• In general, the PV modules should be kept clean of debris  such as excessive dust, leaves, sticks, bird droppings, etc. Accumulation of such material on the panels can affect power output, but rainfall in Colorado is generally adequate to wash off the panels and keep that effect to a minimum.  We advise performing a visual inspection of the PV array and checking the system output production on inverter or monitoring system at least once per month to ensure proper operation.  More than likely, everything will be working just fine.  However, this is a great habit to help catch any potential issues early and minimize any downtime.
• When you buy or lease a system, it is common to enter into a maintenance contract with the installer, the financing entity, or a third party that will handle repairs if the system needs repair.

Show All Answers

1. How are taxes determined?

Property taxes are figured by multiplying the assessed value of your property (as determined by the assessor’s office) by the mill levy which is set by the various taxing entities. The Treasurer’s Office collects these taxes and distributes the monies to the taxing entities. Remember: Taxes due are for the previous year.

2. Payment – When? Where? How?

You have a choice of paying your property taxes in full or in two equal payments. If you choose to pay in full, that payment is due by April 30th. If you choose to pay in equal installments, the first payment is due by the last day of February, and the second payment is due by June 15th. You may pay in person at the Treasurer’s Office located at 501 Palmer Street, Suite 202, in Delta or at the County Annex Building, 196 W. Hotchkiss Avenue, Hotchkiss, or you may mail your payment to the Delta County Treasurer, PO Box 580, Grand Junction, CO  81502-0580. United States Postal Service postmark is accepted for payment deadlines. We accept cash, checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, or certified funds. Be aware, however, that correct change may not always be available at the County Annex Building. Credit card or e-check payment may be made through GovPros.

3. What if I am late in paying my taxes?

By state statute, there is a 1% late fee charged for each month the property taxes are late. The first week of September, manufactured home and personal property taxes that are unpaid shall be advertised in the local newspaper. Unpaid real estate taxes will be advertised in September/October for three consecutive weeks. Taxes that remain unpaid are subject to sale at the property tax lien sale, which is generally held the first Thursday in November. 

Note: There are additional fees added to your tax bill if your property is advertised.  Manufactured homes and personal property are also subject to a distraint notice, which shall be posted at/on the delinquent property. This notification defines the delinquent property, the amount due, and payment instructions. Distrained property shall not be moved or sold until the taxes are paid. The distraint posting will also generate additional fees which shall be included as "Fees" on the posted notice.

4. Do I lose my property if it goes through tax sale?

If the investor who purchased the tax lien at the annual tax lien sale holds that lien for three years following the date of purchase, they are eligible to apply for a Treasurer’s Deed. If a Treasurer’s Deed is issued, you will lose the ownership of your property. The Treasurer’s Office does its due diligence to contact property owners during the Treasurer’s Deed process. You have the right to redeem the tax lien on your property at any time after the sale until a Treasurer’s Deed is issued. Note: Manufactured homes that are located on property that is not owned by the property owner shall be eligible for a Certificate of Ownership after one year. 

5. What if I do not receive a bill?

You are still responsible for paying your taxes. If you do not receive a tax notice by January 31, please contact the Treasurer's Office, and a duplicate bill will be sent to you. There could be several reasons for not receiving a tax bill: If you have moved and have not notified the County of this, or if you have recently purchased the property. You should notify the Assessor’s Office of a change of address.