Chevron property tax appeal hearing set to resume

By Matthias Gafni
Contra Costa Times

Article Launched: 09/16/2008 04:25:44 PM PDT

A hearing is scheduled to resume today in Chevron's property-tax appeal case that could cost Contra Costa County and its cities $59.7 million in refunds and almost $2 million annually in future revenue.

In November, the company brought its appeal to Contra Costa's Assessment Appeals Board.

Chevron has argued that the county has incorrectly assessed its land since 2004. County officials say the San Ramon-based oil company should pay more.

A refund would have wide implications, but none larger than the county's potential $7.9 million hit.

The county has cut almost $52 million in May, and is debating further cuts to bridge another $6.6 million general fund deficit.

The city of Richmond could be asked to refund $1.4 million.

County Assessor Gus Kramer says the hearings should last through the end of October, and he hopes the case will conclude by Thanksgiving.

Reach Matthias Gafni at 925-952-5053 or mgafni@bayareanewsgroup.com.