What is the price of government? A well-run local government focuses on spending its resources on results for citizens rather than cutting or adding to last year's budget. It advocates partnership, competition, customer choice, and a relentless drive to save its residents money while improving public services. In 2017, the Highlands Ranch Metro District implemented a priority-based budget system to establish result statements that guide decision making and prioritize the community’s needs.

The Metro District Board of Directors has been and continues to be committed to wise use of our resources. The current voter approved mill levy is 12.750, but the imposed mill levy set by the Metro District Board, is 11.205. This lower rate reduces the amount a homeowner pays to the Metro District by 12%. The Metro District Board authorized the reduced mill levy, as responsible government, to collect only what is needed for provision of programs and services, and to maintain infrastructure.

The Metro District acknowledges the concerns of property taxpayers. The recent property valuation notices confirming unprecedented increases of 40 to 50% in our community is of great concern to all. The Metro District Board has been working in good faith with our community partners and with state-level policymakers on solutions.

With the recent passing of SB23-303, titled Reduce Property Taxes and Voter-approved Revenue Change, it places a measure on the November ballot for voters to consider. While this measure may provide some property tax relief to its residents, there are many potential impacts that could negatively impact taxpayers, residents, and the ability of local governments to provide services.

The Metro District Board is committed to providing local government at a reasonable cost and helping to educate its residents on the impacts of potential changes in property tax legislation.For more information on this topic, I encourage you to visit www.highlandsranch.org, or contact me at sstanley@highlandsranch.org.

Highlands Ranch Metro District General Manager Stephanie Stanley is well versed in property tax and government finance issues. Prior to her current position, she served for 16 years in finance roles for both the Highlands Ranch Metro District and Centennial Water & Sanitation District, which serves Highlands Ranch.

Founded in 1981 as the local government in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the Metro District provides a variety of municipal services to this planned community of 103,000 people. Learn more about the Metro District at highlandsranch.org.