Public safety would continue as the Town’s top priority under the Proposed 2023 Budget, which the Town Manager will introduce Tuesday to Town Council and the community.
To provide resources to ensure outstanding public safety, it’s proposed that a portion of the Town’s sales tax be reallocated from the Town’s Transportation Fund to its General Fund, to allow for the hiring of four police officers and four firefighters in 2023.
Enhancing the Town’s roads would remain a strong priority, with construction of the Crystal Valley interchange expected to begin in 2023, along with $18.5 million planned in annual pavement maintenance. Another major road project planned for next year is the widening of Fifth Street between Fifth Street and Founders Parkway/Ridge Road.
The Town held a telephone town hall in June and has been holding Council district open houses to collect feedback on its proposed budget priorities, which are unchanged from this year.
Securing the Town’s water future would remain another key priority. To help provide for nearly $300 million in water project investments over the next five years, a water rate increase of 3.88% for the typical residential customer is proposed for 2023.
No tax increases are recommended for 2023. The Town’s property tax mill levy is proposed to remain 1.139, which amounts to $35.53 annually for a median-valued home. Town Council will finalize this amount in December.
To maintain strong Parks and Recreation, improvements would continue at Butterfield and Mitchell Gulch parks, and Plum Creek North Park would be constructed. Other park, open space, trail and recreation improvements are included within the proposed budget, which is available in its entirety at CRgov.com/2023Budget. A two-page Budget in Brief and the Town Manager’s Budget Message are also posted there.
In addition to the annual budget, Town Council as part of its budget process reviews five-year financial and capital improvement plans, which are also available online. Council will hold a public hearing on these items – and on the budget – at its Sept. 20 meeting. The budget is expected to be finalized at Council’s Oct. 4 meeting. Visit CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting for details on how to share your feedback, including on the proposed water rates for 2023.
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