Garfield County’s property tax bills were mailed out Wednesday, and many senior citizens saw their taxes drop, on average, by $420.The tax reduction comes from the senior citizen “homestead” exemption that Colorado voters approved in 2000. “This is the first year it’s been in effect,” said Garfield County Treasurer Georgia Chamberlain.Chamberlain said the homestead exemption is for Colorado residents at least 65 years old who have lived in their homes for 10 years or longer. For qualified residents, the state pays half of senior citizens’ property taxes on primary residences for up to $200,000 in market value.Residents have until July of each year to apply for the property tax break. Chamberlain said 781 Garfield County residents received the senior exemption on their 2002 taxes, which are due in 2003. The total tax reduction was $328,274.Chamberlain said her office sent out 29,233 property taxes notices to residents and businesses. The total tax bill is $51.3 million.The 2002 Abstract of Assessment, compiled by the Garfield County Assessor, shows the county treasurer will distribute the taxes to the county government, school districts, towns, special districts, fire districts and Colorado Mountain College. The total $51.3 million in property tax revenues will be split as follows:-50 percent for school districts: Roaring Fork Re-1, $14.1 million; Garfield County Re-2, $7.7 million; Garfield District 16, $2.7 million; De Beque JT-49, $924,000; Eagle County Re-50J, $72,000.-24 percent for Garfield County government: general fund, road & bridge, public welfare, retirement, capital, a total of $12.5 million.-8 percent for 17 special districts, and water and sanitation districts, a total of $3.8 million.-7 percent for fire districts: Burning Mountains, $614,000; Carbondale, $1.08 million; Glenwood Springs, $388,000; Gypsum, $985; Grand Valley, $552,000; Rifle, $1.16 million.-7 percent for Colorado Mountain College, $3.5 million.-4 percent for towns: Carbondale, $321,000; Glenwood, $840,000; New Castle, $164,000; Parachute, $70,000; Rifle, $284,000; and Silt, $144,000.The Garfield County treasurer collects and distributes property taxes assessed by the county, towns, school districts and special districts.Chamberlain said first half taxes are due Feb. 28, 2003, and second half taxes are due June 16, 2003. If no first half payment is made, the total tax is due by April 30, 2003.Contact Lynn Burton: 945-8515, ext. 534lburton@postindependent.com