2024 Election Information

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 are set to expire at the end of 2026. Without raising taxes, the District is asking voters to approve a continuance of the 2.75 mill levy to continue to fund additional improvement projects in the community’s parks, trails and facilities as well as energy and water conservation projects and operational priorities.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, this is correct, homeowner taxes will not go up if the majority were to vote in favor of this ballot initiative. It will only continue what you are currently paying, subject to fluctuations in the assessed valuation of your home.

If the election to continue the existing mill levy is unsuccessful, the 2.75 mill levy will expire at the end of 2026 in accordance with the sunset provision in the ballot language that was approved in 2017. This will result in approximately a 30% reduction in the revenues generated from property taxes. This will mean that the District will need to look to reduce services in the areas that do not generate sufficient revenues, which would likely result in reduced services in our park system. Also, if unsuccessful, the District cannot continue with making capital improvements to parks, trails and facilities.