Frequently Asked  Questions About Special Assessments

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1. Does the Treasurer collect any payment other than property tax?
2. What is the most common type of (SID)?
3. How important are these SID liens if one is assessed against my property?
4. Is my property in jeopardy if I fail to pay a SID?
5. I thought my property taxes paid for these city and county improvements?

Answers to frequently asked questions about special assessments:

1. Q: Does the treasurer collect any payment other than property tax?
   
   A: Yes, the Treasurer collects city & county improvement liens and delinquent liens when certified to the Office of the Treasurer in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes. These liens are called Special Improvement District (s) liens and are listed on the notice as SID.
   
   
2. Q: What is the most common type of (SID)?
   
   A: A large portion of special assessments are for delinquent municipal charges such as sewer and water and overdue weed control bills.
   
   
3. Q: How important are these SID liens if one is assessed against my property?
   
   A: 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 these special assessment liens.**
   
   
4. Q: Is my property in jeopardy if I fail to pay a SID?
   
   A: Special Improvement District (SID) 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 SID, resulting in the mortgage company enacting foreclosure procedures.
   
    
5. Q: I thought my property taxes paid for these city and county improvements?
   
   A: 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.

Last Modified: Jan 4, 2011 01:14 PM