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When CPN residents voted to incorporate, we also voted to impose a 2.75 percent sales tax that will go to the new city. When will this new sales tax take effect and how will it impact our major purchases such as new cars, furniture or appliances?

The following answer was provided by CPN Treasurer Doug Gilbert: Under Colorado state law, a new sales tax can only go into effect on January 1 or July 1 of each year. Because the City of Castle Pines North was not officially formed until February 15, 2008, following the election of a city council and executive officers, the earliest a sales tax can go into effect is July 1, 2008.

The City government is currently undertaking the necessary steps to bring the sales tax into effect. Those steps include the process of passing a sales tax ordinance that will bring the voters’ decision of last November into effect. The sales tax ordinance is a detailed law that sets out the types of transactions that can be taxed, reporting requirements, and administrative processes.

The City of Castle Pines North is a statutory city and as such can tax only certain items. Certain important transactions are exempt from our city sales tax. Those include food for home consumption and services. A sales tax can only be imposed on goods purchased inside the boundaries of the city. Goods bought elsewhere and brought into the city are not subject to the new sales tax.

Also as a part of the tax referendum in November, residents approved a use tax of 2.75 percent. The use tax is levied on a very limited set of goods purchased elsewhere but brought into the city. A statutory city such as the City of Castle Pines North can impose a “use tax” only on motor vehicles, and upon building materials and supplies used in construction projects within their jurisdictional boundaries. Other large ticket items purchased outside city limits and delivered into the city are not subject to use tax and cannot be taxed under the sales tax. The use tax will go into effect the same time as the new sales tax.

Please explain why I am being billed for an entire year of Master Association dues when Castle Pines North is now a city. Won’t the additional sales taxes to support the city cover the common areas that the CPN Master Association now handles? are you going to refund a portion of these annual dues once the city taxes go into effect?

Thanks so much for your question regarding Master Association dues for 2008. The Master Association is charged with several functions that are not handled by the new City of Castle Pines North, notably funding for the Castle Pines Parks Authority. Seventy percent of dues to the Master Association ($151.20 per household) is transferred to the Castle Pines Parks Authority for the construction of new parks in our community.

While it is entirely within the realm of possibility that the new city will at some point assume many of the functions of the Master Association, that process will not happen overnight. The new city council has many items on its agenda -- things that will take some time to sort out. At several community meetings prior to the incorporation vote, community leaders estimated that assimilation of Master Association functions could take a year or two. It is unknown whether the new city will completely take over all Master Association functions or if the Master Association will continue to exist in some sort of modified role. Either way, at the present time, the Master Association will continue functioning as it always has.

This will be a matter of interest to all CPN residents in the coming year -- please “stay tuned” to The Connection and community e-mail for developments as they happen. 

What can Castle Pines North (CPN) residents do to defend our trees from Pine Beetles? With the word “Pines” in our name, these trees are an important part of our identity. - Renee Palmer, Forest Park

Mountain Pine Beetles have received a lot of media attention due to massive outbreaks in the mountains. Large sections of forest land have been affected, leaving thousands of trees dead. Mountain Pine Beetles have also been found here in Douglas County, and with mountain forests degrading, there is a distinct possibility that infestations will increase along the Front Range in years to come. The cost for large-scale spraying in the forests and other communities in Colorado is prohibitive. Mass prevention efforts are not taking place at this time.

In general, healthy trees can resist a Mountain Pine Beetle attack. Keeping trees appropriately watered (not too little, not too much) can help. Older trees, those that are four feet or larger in diameter, are more vulnerable than younger trees, so keep close tabs on them. If you popcorn-shaped resin masses develop on tree bark, it is likely that the beetles are attempting an attack.

Preventing attacks can be difficult, as spraying must be timed so that insecticide is applied before the beetles attack, generally during the spring. Spray too early in the year and the chemicals are ineffective by the time the beetles arrive; spray too late, and the damage is already done. Work with a reputable tree service, one who has experience in timing the application of pesticides to coincide with predicted weather patterns.

Residents with concerns can also contact the CSU Extension office in Douglas County at 720-733-6930. An extension officer will visit the property to assess trees and other landscaping for a charge of $75 per hour. The Master Association is working to host a seminar on this issue this summer. For further information about the Mountain Pine Beetle, visit
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05528.html.