submitted by the City of Castle Pines North

As mayor of the City of Castle Pines North, it is a privilege to serve you and an even greater honor to inform citizens that the state of our city is strong and growing stronger.

Because your elected officials have put a responsible and coherent financial plan in place, our city – less than two years old – has delivered all services that our citizens have expected and formatted financial matters to enter 2010 debt free. The city has not imposed any new property taxes.

Achieving this amount of financial stability in such a short time led The Canyons (a planned development east of the city and Interstate 25) to file a petition for annexation into our city. Additionally, work has begun on a new city park, a new school has just opened off of Lagae Road, and we just celebrated the opening of a new city library. The strength and vision of our city have sparked interest among new businesses that will only bring added value, amenities and services to our community.

The city has laid a strong foundation for future growth and development that will strengthen property values, sustain new and existing businesses, and lessen the tax burden on citizens and businesses, while maintaining the quality of life our community has come to enjoy.

Goals of incorporation

Much of the support for incorporation was based on a feasibility study that included integration of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District into the city, as well as sharing Home Owner Association services, which are now being duplicated by nearly 30 individual HOA communities within the city. These components are essential to providing tax and fee relief to residents and businesses, and more streamlined and efficient approaches to our city government.

The citizens continue to make it known – as they did during the incorporation process – that they believe our current tax burden remains too high with too many layers of government that duplicate services within our community.

I am pleased to report that a renewed effort at the initiation of the City with the Metro District has begun in earnest as to how to move forward with an integration plan that best serves the citizens of this community.

The City, like the Metro District, is committed to securing renewable water for our community and that goal will not be diminished through integration. We will keep the community informed via e-mail alerts and community meetings throughout this integration process, and hope to engage as many residents as possible in this effort.

Integration does not mean the Metro District will cease to exist, and it does not mean the city needs Metro District funds in order to succeed. Financial achievements during the past 20 months dispel that myth. What integration of services does mean is that residents and businesses will gain tax relief, in addition to more efficient, transparent accountability of services.

These two achievable goals of incorporation have the potential to provide our community with a stronger, more consolidated effort of securing renewable water, reducing tax burden, streamlining city government and expanding amenities. We welcome and encourage all citizens to make your opinions known on this issue and all issues impacting our city.

Looking forward

While our new city has achieved a great deal during the past 20 months, it is the responsibility of every citizen to stay informed and involved. We became a city through the strong involvement of an engaged citizenry, and we continue forward with your ongoing input and participation.

With everyone working collaboratively for the common good, we have the opportunity to make the City of Castle Pines North a landmark of excellence through smart growth, reduced tax burdens, efficient services and cost-effective government.

I look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible as we continue moving our city forward.

Respectfully,
Maureen A. Shul, Mayor