by Lane Roberts

Rising gas prices are not the only reason to shop local businesses. In fact, shopping right here in Castle Pines North (CPN) will soon benefit the entire city.

Effective July 1, the new sales and use tax for the City is set to take effect.

In the 2007 November election, voters supported the incorporation of CPN and ballot question “2C” which proposed a sales and use tax of $2.75 on a $100 taxable purchase, or two and three-quarters cents on a dollar. Because CPN residents voted to become a statutory city, the new sales tax will not apply to food.

Since February, city representatives have been working to put a variety of revenue sources in place for CPN. According to CPN Treasurer Doug Gilbert, the City will rely on approximately 10 different revenue sources, including the sales and use tax of 2.75 percent, and various shareback revenues from the State and Douglas County.

“Now that CPN is a new city, it is important to shop local and keep our tax dollars at home,” said Gilbert. “The City is working to have all revenue sources established by July 1 so that our city will be fully funded.”

Shopping local will now directly benefit both the local business district, and the new City of CPN. Instead of hitting the freeway, save gas and time - - shop in CPN.