Castle Rock Town Council approved a number of items relating to the 2023 budget, which prioritizes public safety, roads and water, on Sept. 20.

Following a presentation by Town Manager David Corliss, the council gave the  initial OK for the $315 million budget and the 2023 property tax rates, which will remain the same at the town level.  

The majority of next year’s budget, $175 million, will go to operating expenses, including $18.5 million for road maintenance, and then $115 million for capital improvements and $25 million for debt, loans and transfers. Big investments are planned for both police and fire departments, as well as in the construction of the Crystal Valley Interchange and a potential water reservoir near Sedalia.

Council members emphasized the budget also includes money for a new park north of Plum Creek Parkway, which garnered thanks from a public commenter. 

“The residents of Plum Creek are very, very grateful for purchasing this property … and planning this park,” the commenter said. “This park has a beautiful view of the rock and I believe it will be the next gem in the Castle Rock crown of parks.”

As part of the town budget, council approved service contract requests with the Downtown Development Association, the Downtown Merchants Association, the Economic Development Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society and museum, the Senior Center, the Douglas County Youth Initiative, the Douglas County Housing Authority and the Douglas County Community Foundation. 

The total cost of the contracts for 2023 is about $964,000, but Mayor Jason Gray said the value the organizations add to the community far surpasses the cost.

“I just don’t think that our town would run the same without these organizations, we couldn’t do it,” Gray said. “Without the volunteers, we wouldn’t have the amazing town we have.”

Other budgets for the Downtown Development Authority, the Miller’s Landing Business Improvement District, the Castle Rock Urban Renewal Authority and the Festival Park Commons General Improvement District were also approved by council. 

Final approval of the budgets is scheduled for Oct. 4.