Homeowner/Taxpayer Safeguards

State Law Limits on Metropolitan District Authorities

Under Title 32, Article 1 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, metropolitan districts are a type of Colorado special district that provides at least two types of services. Allowed services are fire, mosquito, parks and recreation, safety protection, sanitation, solid waste disposal, street improvement, television relay, transportation and water.
Metro districts are independent governmental entities formed to finance design, acquire, install, construct, operate and/or maintain public improvements that are not otherwise being provided.

Mill levies are capped by the city or county who also set the maximum term for debt service. In most instances, property taxes for debt are capped at 50 mills for 40 years.
There is a limit on interest rates at which most metropolitan districts can borrow.
Only public infrastructure is allowed to be constructed by law.
Multiple disclosures are available throughout the homebuying process and state law requires notice in the Purchase Agreement.

Metropolitan district boards are required to hold regular elections in which any property owner or resident may run for office and vote.
Homeowners in a metropolitan district should feel welcome to attend any district board meetings and contact the people listed on the Department of
Local Affairs website for more information about their specific district.
Meetings are required to follow the Colorado Open Meetings laws and Colorado Open Records Act.
Residents of metropolitan districts receive an annual notice concerning their district governing body, meeting information, election information and the
mill levy and tax revenue for the prior year.

Municipalities and counties have significant control over metropolitan districts through approval of the service plan, which specifies limits on taxation, fees, and services that districts are allowed to provide.
Metropolitan districts can only fund public infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, parks and trails.
Metropolitan districts may not impose taxes to pay for infrastructure longer than the city or county service plan allows.