Updates on drought conditions and 2022 year-end financials were provided at Town Council’s May 2 meeting.
Here is a closer look:
Drought conditions update — Town Council received an update on current drought conditions. Douglas County, the Front Range and the Eastern Plains are officially in a moderate drought. Through the first four months of the year, we received significantly less precipitation than expected.
Aurora Water has declared Stage 1 drought restrictions. The Centennial Water & Sanitation District service area, which includes Highlands Ranch, is also in Stage 1 drought conditions. Castle Rock is not currently under drought restrictions but our water supply will be impacted by Aurora’s status.
Castle Rock Water is not likely to get any Water Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency water, or WISE water, this year from June through September, since Aurora has declared a Stage 1 drought. Over the last four years, WISE water has accounted for about 1 to 1.6 million gallons per day of Castle Rock Water’s irrigation season water supply. That supply is interruptible under the Town’s agreement with Aurora Water. The Town expects the highest single day of use to reach 21 million gallons per day of water this irrigation season, with average daily use of about 16.7 million gallons per day. As always, customers are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water whenever possible.
While Castle Rock is not currently in drought restrictions, drought conditions are present locally. Council will be kept up to date on drought conditions through the summer. Castle Rock Water’s Drought Management Plan identifies specific drought conditions that will trigger a response. It also outlines actions needed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water when a drought-induced water supply shortage exists. To view Castle Rock Water’s Drought Management Plan and see the status of Castle Rock’s local water supplies relative to local water demands, visit CRgov.com/Drought.
2022 year-end financial report — Town Council received an update on the 2022 year-end financial review. Town departments continue effective and responsible management of the Town’s finances while working toward accomplishing community priorities. The overall financial position of the Town remains positive. Some highlights include:
- Revenue was up about 3% over budget
- Sales tax revenue was up 13% through December compared to 2021
- Townwide expenditures ended the year 8% under budget due to personnel savings and unspent services
- General Fund expenditures were 16% under budget for 2022, largely due to the timing of projects
- The 2022 TABOR surplus is estimated to be approximately $11 million. Voters approved a temporary, 10-year TABOR timeout in 2021, authorizing the Town to retain and spend any “excess” revenues solely for police, fire and roads.
Also on the agenda, Town Council presented four proclamations, observing May as Historic Preservation Month and Building Safety Month; May 14 through May 20 as Police Week; and May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Watch the meeting: https://castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1582
Coming up
The next regular Town Council meeting is Tuesday, May 16. Visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments between May 11 and May 16 to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak via videoconference during the meeting. The meeting will be available live at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting. In-person attendance will also be available.
Questions? Email all Councilmembers at TownCouncil@CRgov.com, or find your Council representative at CRgov.com/Council; sign up for email updates by clicking “Get Email Updates.” Updates include summaries of top Council items, as well as previews of Council meetings.
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