La Plata County Property Tax Increases Explained

La Plata County property owners are calling the Treasurer's and Assessor's offices after receiving tax bills with increases over last year.

Three factors drove the increases: the expiration of a state-mandated discount, rising property values, and changes to assessment rates under state law.

Senate Bill 24-233 ended a temporary $55,000 reduction in actual value that residential property owners received for tax years 2023 and 2024. Without that discount, taxable values increased even when home values remained stable.

Property values across La Plata County also rose based on sales activity from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.

House Bill 24-1001 changed assessment rates. Last year, homeowners paid taxes on 6.7% of their home's actual value. This year, the state created two rates: 7.05% for school districts and 6.25% for all other special districts including La Plata County, municipalities, fire districts, and water districts. School taxes make up the largest portion of most bills, so the school rate increase outweighs the decrease elsewhere.

Residents within the Durango Fire Protection District and the City of Durango approved mill levy increases in November 2025 that will add to taxes due in 2026.

"The County does not set assessment rates or adjustments," County Commissioner Matt Salka said. "State law determines these rules, and county assessors and treasurers must follow them."

Some homeowners may qualify for senior and disabled veteran exemptions. Residents can visit the County's website to see how taxes are distributed and calculated.

The Treasurer's Office handles calls about billing at 970-382-6253. The Assessor's Office handles assessment questions at 970-382-6221.