November 5, 2024
Dear District Residents and Foothills Patrons,
We are pleased to announce that ballot measure 6D, the 2.75 mill levy continuation, was approved by District residents with over 75% voting in favor of the measure!
The continuation of this mill levy does not raise taxes. It extends an existing mill levy originally approved by voters in November 2017. Since 2018, we have made necessary and impactful improvements to over 32 park and trail sites, including on-going work to extend the Dutch Creek Trail, as well as major improvements to two outdoor pools, improvements at our golf courses with an amazing new clubhouse at Foothills Golf Course, and enhancements to facilities and operations. Increased maintenance practices have also resulted in more beautiful parks and well-maintained facilities.
Going forward, we will continue:
- Improving District parks, trails and open spaces
- Repairing and updating aging infrastructure
- Providing more recreation opportunities to the community
- Improving water conservation and energy efficiency
- Ensuring more parks and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities
The District will continue the tradition of fiscal responsibility we have been committed to over the years, working efficiently and remaining good stewards of taxpayer dollars. The continued funding will be used to address important capital improvements to parks, trails and facilities as outlined in the District’s Vision 2030 Master Plan. We look forward to working with residents and patrons of our great District to improve your recreation, parks and golf amenities.
I know I speak for our Board of Directors and all of our dedicated staff members that we are excited to be able to move forward with continued improvements throughout the District. We truly appreciate that the community has put their trust in us, and I pledge to you that we will work hard to effectively utilize the continued funding to make our Foothills community the best it can be for everyone.
Ronald Hopp
Executive Director
"What does a Mill Levy continuation mean?"
The 2.75 mill levy increase was originally approved by voters in 2017 and were used for various Improvement Projects throughout District parks, trails and facilities. These funds were set to expire at the end of 2026. Without raising taxes, the voter approved continuation of the 2.75 mills will fund capital projects throughout the District in the community’s parks, trails and facilities as well as energy and water conservation projects and operational priorities.
"Don't my taxes fund 100% of the operations at Foothills?"
No. In 2024, approximately 70% of Foothills’ revenue comes from non-property tax sources such as User Fees, Admission Fees, Rentals, Conservation Trust Funds (Lottery) and Specific Ownership Tax (a portion of license plates). This means approximately 30% of Foothills’ revenue comes from property taxes. Foothills District resident’s property taxes primarily support a portion of park operations and our outdoor pools while other District facilities including the recreation centers, ice arena and golf courses generate a net revenue to help offset costs elsewhere in the District.
Parks and their amenities cost money to maintain and many do not generate much revenue. Some park amenities are several decades old and are in need of renovation and replacement.
"Don't you receive operational funding / taxes from Colorado Lottery, Jefferson County, City of Littleton, the State of Colorado and other sources?"
We receive several questions regarding who and where we receive funding. Below, we’ve address some of the most common questions.
- JEFFERSON COUNTY, CITY OF LITTLETON or CITY OF LAKEWOOD?
No. We are not a branch of any of these or any other entity. We are a separate entity with our own taxing authority. All tax revenue and other funds we collect go to serve your parks and recreation needs.
- SALES TAXES?
No. The only taxes we collect are property taxes from residential and commercial properties (makes up about 25% of our revenues) and a small portion of ownership taxes from Jefferson County license plate purchases/renewals.
- COLORADO LOTTERY FUNDS?
Yes, but the amount is only about $560,000 per year, which is about 1% of the District’s overall budget. Half of the proceeds from Colorado Lottery are distributed to organizations state-wide. The type of entity (county vs. city vs. special district, etc.) determines how much funding is received. Because we are a Special District, we receive less funding than most.
- GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO (GOCO)?
From time to time, we receive grant funding from GOCO, however it is a grant process that 1.) requires matching dollars; 2.) is a highly competitive process that is not guaranteed; and 3.) their focus is typically on larger, special projects distributed throughout the state. This is not an annual assured funding source for the District. GOCO invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers and open spaces. Their independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts. The District has recently received a GOCO funding grant to assist with the construction of the Clement Park Splash Park and an additional GOCO grant to assist with the funding for the Clement Park Inclusive Playground.
- MARIJUANA SALES?
No, those taxes go toward schools and local sales tax. As stated above, we do not receive any local sales tax.
- GAMING TAXES (CASINOS)?
No, those taxes go toward financial aid and classroom instruction at Colorado community, junior, and district colleges, impacts of gaming payments to Gilpin and Teller Counties and impacts of gaming payments to the towns of Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek.
- MY TAXES?
Yes, property taxes on a home’s market value. Most residents of the District are paying 9.463 in operational mills.
- NON-PROPERTY TAX REVENUES: USER FEES, ADMISSIONS, RENTALS?
Yes, they make up approximately 70% of the District’s revenues.
"Does Foothills have the ability to increase my taxes in the future without a vote from the people?"
No, because of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, more commonly known as TABOR, Foothills can NEVER raise the mill levy rate without an election which must go to the voters of the District to decide.
