HomeMy WebLinkAbout970602.tiffFebruary 15, 1997
Robert Ramsay
7218 Cardinal Lane
Longmont, CO 80503
Warren L, Lasell, Weld County Assessor
Weld County Commissioners, Attention Barbara Kirkmeyer
Donald D. Warden, Director of Finance and Administration
Received from Weld County, 2/15/97 a notice of "possible increase in assessed valuation
on your land." Enclosed is a letter acknowledging that Mr. Feighner received the hay for
the years 1995 and 1996 at gratis. As the commissioners can verify, the hay crop was
indeed harvested when they visited the land in 1996.
This hay represents "total gross income resulting from all uses of the property during any
given property tax year". Gratis should not be interpreted as lack of produce from the
farm. In the thirty three years that I have own this place, it has always produced
agricultural products. Generosity to the neighbor as well as to Weld County appears hard
for some to comprehend.
As you know, this property was donated to Weld County for use as open space (enclosed
two letters by Barbara Kirkmeyer and me). After six months of good faith intent by me
and $615 in legal fees, Weld County legal department would not provide contract, Weld
County decided it could not support this benign project.
The entire issue of re evaluation would have been mute had Weld County honored its
acceptance of this property. I continue to feel great disillusionment, and know that future
generations have not been served by your inaction. I found this experience in
philanthropy bazaar, and Weld County lacking in common business acumen.
The crop was harvested and received. If my generosity is rewarded by increased property
taxes, consider it one more ironic decision by Weld County.
Sincerely,
Robert D. Ramsay
44/3487
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COLORADO
Dear Property Owner:
OFFICE OF WELD COUNTY ASSESSOR
PHONE (303) 353.3845, EXT. 3656
WELD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
1400 N. 17TH AVENUE
GREELEY, COLORADO 80631
PIN # R0024995
Legal description: PT S2NW4 18-4-68
This letter is to notify you of a possible increase in the assessed valuation
on your land.
Your parcel of land may be reclassified as a tract unless you can substantiate
its agricultural use and submit that substantiation to this office. Colorado
law requires agricultural assessment only for land being used for the primary
purpose of obtaining a monetary profit from farming or ranching (See attached
definitions). Subdivided land, idle land, and land used primarily for
pleasure animals or recreation generally does not qualify for agricultural
assessment.
In order to meet state requirements, we must have substantiation of
agricultural use. To assure that the land is currently used in an
agricultural endeavor, and has been for the previous two years, additional
information"supporting the use may be attached to this letter and submitted to
our office. The following information may be considered in determining the
current agricultural use and will be treated as confidential information.
* Copy of lease agreement or a receipt of lease payment
* Form 1040 and 1040F or equivalent form from IRS return
* Sales invoices of agricultural products or livestock
* Account balance sheets
* Brand inspection certificates
* Profit and loss or financial statements
Information for the years of 1995 and 1996 must be provided by
Marsh 20, 1047
We are notifying you of the possible reevaluation so that you will know of the
state requirements and of our objective to value all agricultural and tract
land equitably and fairly.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Phyllis
Newby at 353-3845 Ext. 3690
Sincerely,
Warren L. Lasell
Weld County Assessor
WLL/pan
DEFINITIONS'
"Agricultural land" means a parcel of land, whether located in an
incorporated or unincorporated area and regardless of the uses for
which the land is zoned, which was used the previous two years and
presently is used as a farm or ranch, as defined in subsection(3.5)
and (13.5) of this section, and the gross income resulting from such
use equals or exceeds one-third of the total gross income resulting
from all uses of the property during any given property tax year, or
which is in the process of being restored through conservation
practices. Such land must have been classified or eligible for
classification as "agricultural land", consistent with this
subsection(1.6), during the ten years preceding the year of
assessment. Such land must continue to have actual agricultural
use. "Agricultural land" includes the land underlying any
residential improvements located on such "agricultural land" and also
includes the land underlying other improvements if such improvements
are an integral part of the farm or ranch and if such improvements
and the land area dedicated to such improvements are typically used
as an ancillary part of the operation. The use of a portion of such
land for hunting, fishing, or otherwise, shall not affect the
classification of agricultural land. 39-1-102(1.6)(a)(1)Q, C.R.S.
"Farm" means a parcel of land which is used to produce agricultural
products that originate from the land's productivity for the primary
purpose of obtaining a monetary profit. 39-1-102(3.5), C.R.S
"Ranch" means a parcel of land which is used for grazing livestock
for the primary purpose of obtaining a monetary profit. For the
purpose of this subsection(13.5), "livestock" means domestic animals
which are used for food for human or animal consumption, breeding,
draft, or profit 39-1-102(13.5), C.R.S.
"Actual value determined - when" Once any property is classified for
property tax purposes, it shall remain so classified until such time
as its actual use changes or the assessor discovers that the
classification is erroneous. The property owner shall endeavor to
comply with the reasonable requests of the assessor to
supply information which cannot be ascertained independently but
which is necessary to determine actual use and properly classify the
property when the assessor has evidence that there has been a change
in the use of the property. Failure to supply such information shall
not be the sole reason for reclassifying the property. Any such
request for such information shall be accompanied by a notice that
states that failure on the part of the property owner to supply such
information will not be used as the sole reason for reclassifying the
property in question. 39-1-103(5)(c), C.R.S.
June 10, 1996
Weld County Planning Department
1400 North Seventeenth Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Attention: Shani Eastin
Ref: 21506 Weld County Line Road 1
Berthoud CO 80513
Lot 2 Recorded Exemption RE 301 29.500 +/- Acres
Purpose: To Deed to Weld County for the specific purpose of natural open space with
walking paths for public access.
Features: Lake frontage, Approx. 900'
Established pasture grass
Western boundary - Cottonwood trees
Northern boundary - Russian Olive trees
Lake frontage - variety of natural plants, some olive trees, many cattails
Perimeter could have approximately 0.8 miles of hiking path
Many birds, fish, and grassland animals
Location:
11/2 miles from Berthoud Town limits
I understand that Berthoud is contemplating expansion in this direction
Benefits:
Area is developing at a rapid pace, so open space is diminishing
Walking areas are difficult because they are on the roads, farm dogs discourage
walkers
Wild life is inhibited by not only development but also farming, many nests lost,
much habitat is disturbed, I have mowed hay many years and disturbed many nests
Terms: Negotiable
Property is to be named in honor of my wife and her mother (both deceased)
Property is to be reverted to me or my heirs if Weld County transfers it in any
manner, or alters the use from the stated purpose.
Examples:
Jefferson County; White Ranch and Boettcher Open Space
Boulder County; Lagerman Reservoir and Eldorado Springs Open Space
I hope that we can come to an agreement on this matter. The western edge of Weld
County' will need such places since it is rapidly changing into suburban characteristics.
I feel that the best use for this property would be to return it to nature, a spot where
wildlife and people can enjoy.
Inspired from "Out of Africa": not yours, not mine, natures!
Sincerely,
Robert D. Ramsay
7218 Cardinal Lane
Longmont CO 80503
(303) 530 3164
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