Board of Equalization Referee (Contract Position)

Full Job Description

County Board of Equalization (CBOE) Referees (also known as hearing officers) conduct taxpayer appeal hearings on behalf of the County Board of Equalization and review the evaluation for assessment of taxable property.

CBOE Referees are independent professionals appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to hear appeals of property valuations set by the County Assessor. The referee presides over scheduled property tax review hearings and evaluates evidence presented by taxpayers, property owners’ agents, and the County’s Assessor representatives, including comparable sales, income data, and cost approach methods.

More information about this process can be reviewed at: https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/clerk-to-the-board/board-of-equalization-appeal-process/.

• Position type: This is a contract (temporary) position with a seasonable duration of approximately one (1) month in even years and (2) months in odd years.
• Location: In-Person (Remote or Hybrid options may be available)
• Reports to: Board of County Commissioners (acting as the Board of Equalization)
• Required availability: Must be available Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. beginning July 1 through August 5 (in even years, 2026, etc.) or September 1 through November 2 (in odd years, 2027, etc.).

In lieu of an application, please click APPLY above and upload the following:

• A letter of interest for the Board of Equalization Referee position.
• Attach a CV/Resume and Relevant Credentials

Point of Contact & Info: Steven Klaffky (stevenklaffky@elpasoco.com)

Requirements

• Conduct taxpayer appeal hearings at the request of the County Board of Equalization to ensure due process for El Paso County property taxpayers pursuant to §§ 39-8-102 and 39-8-106, C.R.S.
• Ability to preside over hearings (in person or virtually), evaluate evidence presented, analyze property tax assessments, and relevant Colorado state statutes to determine if Assessor’s valuation is accurate and equitable. 
• Ability to prepare written findings of fact and recommendations for each appeal, submitting them to the CBOE for final action within required legal deadlines. 
• Will be required to attend an orientation prior to hearings. Actual hours worked will depend on appeal volume and the scheduling of those appeals before the referees.
• This position will not extend beyond August 5 (in even years) and in odd years, will not extend beyond November 2.
• This position does not offer benefits.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be honest, truthful, trustworthy, and possess personal integrity.
• Ability to exercise tact and impartiality.
• Experience in conducting and/or participating in virtual hearings and remote proceedings. 
• Access to computer with microphone and video capabilities and internet. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, calculators, and telephone.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Ability to handle heavy caseload efficiently within limited timeframes. 

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education required.
• Three (3) years’ experience in real estate and/or appraisal, specifically in the evaluation for assessment of taxable property.
• Experience in property valuation, assessment, or real estate preferred (e.g. licensed appraiser, real estate broker, or similar background). 

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass background investigation.

Independence
Referees must not have any existing conflicts of interest. Per statute, referees must not have represented any taxpayer in El Paso County regarding any property tax protest, abatement, or appeal during the tax year at issue. C.R.S. § 39-8-102. Additionally, referees shall not subsequently represent any taxpayer who appeared in any hearing before that referee in any subsequent matter relating to the appeal or protest of the property valuation or refund of property taxes.

Additional Information

Work is performed primarily in an office environment. This is a temporary contract position.

Term & Schedule 

• Season: This is a seasonal position. In even years (July 1 – August 5); In odd years (September 1 – November 2). 
• Scheduling: Hearings are scheduled through the Clerk to the Board. Referees may have limited flexibility to manage their own calendars, and the volume of hearings is dependent on the number of property tax appeals.