Not necessarily. Owners of property may petition to have the City or County construct the improvements. The City or County may initiate this action directly by passing a resolution to construct such improvements and assess the property benefited.

Yes, special Assessment Liens that remain unpaid are sold at the Annual Tax Lien Sale conducted by the Treasurer in the same manner as a delinquent property tax lien. However, a homeowner or property owner with a mortgage on the property may place their mortgage in jeopardy by failure to pay a Special Assessment Lien. When the annual installment of a special assessment becomes delinquent, the entire assessment goes to tax sale. Payment of the assessment can no longer be paid in installments and the entire amount must be paid in full.

They become a perpetual lien in the amount of assessment against each lot or tract of land and have priority over all other liens except the general property tax lien. **Do NOT ignore the importance of special assessment liens.**

Many of the special assessment liens are for road and sewer improvements. These special assessments are often billed in installments of 10 to 20 years. In addition, there are special assessments for delinquent utility billings, such as overdue water and sanitation bills and overdue weed control bills. These particular assessments are billed as one payment.

The Treasurer collects City & County Improvement Liens when certified to the Office of the Treasurer in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes. These liens are called Special Assessment(s) liens. The Treasurer also collects personal property and mobile home taxes.

Yes, the referendum became effective January 1, 2002, and is reviewed each year by the state legislature. *Note: the property tax exemption for seniors was not funded for tax year 2009, 2010, and 2011. If you meet the qualifying criteria 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of residential property shall be exempt from taxation for the "primary residence". The property owner must be at least 65 years old and have owned and occupied the property as his or her primary residence for the 10 years immediately preceding the assessment date.

Yes, a Tax Deferral (delay) Program is available to senior citizens, whereby the State of Colorado pays the taxes on your residence and holds a lien on your property until it is sold, or changes are made to your qualifications. The annual percentage rate set by state statutes is 7%. An individual must be 65 or older as of January 1st of the year claimed. Application must be made by April 1. The home must be "free and clear". Contact the Treasurer's Office for more information.

Real Property is permanently fixed improvements on the land. Improvements include all structures, buildings, fixtures, fences, and water rights. Personal Property is generally a portable or moveable item such as equipment or furniture used in the production of income.

Tax monies are distributed as follows: Adams County 27%; Cities and Towns 6%; School Districts 56%; Special Districts 11%