3 minute read
Metro District Finances
It’s all on the web
highlandsranch.org
When you visit highlandsranch.org, you will find valuable information about the programs, services and activities of the Highlands Ranch Metro District.
You’ll also find links to fellow service providers in the community. New features continue to be added, so stay tuned and visit often.
Metro District Contacts:
Highlands Ranch Metro District 62 Plaza Drive Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-791-0430 Visit us at highlandsranch.org Email: info@highlandsranch.org Metro District Parks, Recreation & Open Space Service Center 3280 Redstone Park Circle Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-791-2710 Fax: 303-791-3047 Email: parksinfo@highlandsranch.org
Recreation Contact:
Metro District Recreation Services Phone: 303-791-2710 Fax: 303-470-9516 Email: recreationinfo@highlandsranch.org
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The Metro District’s healthy financial condition built over 40 years
The Metro District prides itself on a very strong financial position with a AA+ rating from Standard and Poor’s. Through long-term planning since its formation 40 years ago, the Metro District has met the needs of the community at a reasonable cost, as evidenced by the low property tax rate, which is lower than many neighboring communities. The Metro District strives to provide financial information in a transparent manner. Please visit highlandsranch.org/government/finance to view financial documents. Take a deeper dive into the Metro District’s revenue and expenses on its Open Budget website at openbudget.highlandsranch.org. Open Budget is an interactive site that guides you through complex financial information with charts, graphs and tables. If you have questions about the Metro District’s finances, please contact finance@highlandsranch.org.
Instagram Nextdoor Metro District funding sources
The Metro District Messenger is published four times annually. Visit highlandsranch.org or send an email message to info@highlandsranch.org.
Editor: Sherry Eppers, Community Relations Manager Contributing Writers: Amber Garrett, CPRP, CYSA, Recreation Coordinator Courtney Kuhlen, Community Relations Specialist Kari Larese, Community Relations Coordinator Jodie McCann, AAPS Coordinator Pam Moisey, Reservations Specialist Dave Parks, Recreation Supervisor Carolyn Peters, CPRP, Recreation Manager Luke Ruter, Recreation Coordinator Brenda Willcutt, Recreation Assistant ©2021 Highlands Ranch Metro District While the primary source of funding for the operations of the Highlands Ranch Metro District is property taxes, there are other sources of revenue utilized by the Metro District to fund amenities and services.
Colorado Lottery proceeds (miscellaneous income)
The Conservation Trust Fund receives 40% of Colorado Lottery proceeds. As a local parks and recreation provider, the Metro District receives money from the Conservation Trust Fund in proportion to our population. In 2020, the Metro District received $535,673 for a total of $9.1 million dollars since 2000. The Metro District uses these funds for capital improvements in parks and open space in Highlands Ranch. Some of the most notable projects include Central Park, Historic Park trails and Civic Green Park.
Cell site leases (miscellaneous income)
Many cell providers have cell sites co-located on streetlights on land owned by the Metro District. Cell providers pay the Metro District an annual lease amount for each site. The revenue generated from these leases in 2020 was $985,064 with a similar amount anticipated in 2021. The Metro District uses these funds for repair and replacement of existing assets, including the replacement of fences along major arterial roads. DEVELOPMENT
FEES
Recreation program fees
6%
(program/rental fees)
Based on board directives, recreation program fees cover all the direct costs of providing programs including staff time, field use and program supplies.
Mansion rental fees
PROGRAM/ RENTAL FEES 9%
STREETLIGHT/ STORMWATER FEE 7%
MISC. 7%
(program/rental fees)
In 2010, the community’s developer, Shea Homes, donated the Highlands Ranch Mansion to the Metro District. The Metro District committed to renovate and operate the Mansion without use of property tax dollars. Since the Mansion opened in 2012, rental fees have funded operations of the Mansion including staff, cleaning, office supplies, insurance, utilities and facility maintenance.
PROPERTY TAXES 70%
METRO DISTRICT REVENUE
2021 TOTAL $29,243,701
