Instead of endlessly arguing the point, I will illustrate how the REAL numbers work:

Assessed property value, four years ago: $300,000.00. The same property after a 20% decline three years in a row is now valued at: $153,600.00. That number is reached using the following:

A property assessed at $300,000 – less 20% the first year becomes $240,000.00; less another 20% the second year becomes $192,000.00; less another 20% the third year brings the current property value down to $153,600.00. With me so far? Any questions?

The current mill levy is $3.25 on $1,000.00 in property value.

So the owner of that $300,000.00 house paid $975.00 in Fire District tax dollars three years ago.

The “OVERRIDE” allows only a 5% annual increase in the mill levy – bringing the approved override levy to: $3.4125 per $1,000.00 in property value. Still there? Following along?

So a current value of $153,600.00 x the override mill levy amount of 3.4125% means the owner of that same property will now be paying only $524.16, annually. That’s a SUBSTANTIAL DECREASE of $450.84 in actual taxes, Glenn.

So…while the AMOUNTS may change per individual property, THE FORMULA IS THE SAME – and the net tax dollar amount paid by every homeowner – even WITH the override – is in fact, “LESS TAXES” as you put it.

The numbers don’t lie, Glenn – and neither do I. I’m sure the people within the Montezuma Rimrock Fire District whose lives will be directly impacted by the outcome of this override vote, appreciate your agreeing the District NEEDS the revenue.