My name is Bill Schaefer and I’m on the Board of Directors for the South Metro Fire Rescue. I’m also a Castle Pines North resident.
 
I would like to inform all residents that the fire district completed its budget on December 13, 2004. We’re proud to say that we were able to set the mil levy rate well below the 9.25 mils we asked voters to approve last year.
 
Our goal during the election was to set a flexible mil levy rate which would correspond to the needs of the district, and that would be fiscally responsible.
 
Property tax bills have been mailed. You will find that we were able to set the mil rate at 8.95 mils, and still maintain a balanced budget.
 
In addition, we are starting the planning for a new fire station in the Castle Pines North area to meet the growing needs of the community. Location has yet to be determined, but I will let you know when the plans are finalized.
 
I would like to thank everyone in the community for your support in the past election. It has been a tight two years since the economy has been soft. Now, we are looking forward to a stronger economy and an increase in business within our district, which will help maintain our tax base.

- Bill Schaefer, South Metro Fire Rescue Board Member