Laserfiche WebLink
City Council <br />Study Session Summary <br />April 22, 2019 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />districts are separate governmental entities with their own elected officials, <br />taxing power and borrowing power. <br />Metro Districts may raise revenue by imposing property taxes, special <br />assessments, and by imposing fee and penalties. Metro districts can issue <br />general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, special assessment bond and tax <br />exempt municipal bonds. The most common way is to issue common <br />obligation bond but it must be approved by voters. <br />Council member Brown asked about different types of bonds: <br />Ms. Crawford said the difference is what is being pledged — general <br />obligation bonds typically vs unlimited. Any debt is subject to TABOR. <br />Council member Fahey asked what happens in the unlikely case of <br />collecting more than needed to put in the improvement. In that scenario, the <br />bonds can be paid down or used for other capital improvements outlined in <br />the ballot language. <br />Attorney Kelly said the service plan is the most important decision to be <br />made. It must include a description of proposed services, financial plan, a <br />preliminary engineering survey, a map of the proposed district, estimate of <br />population and valuation for assessment, general description of the facilities <br />and standards of such construction. It must also include a general <br />description of major expenses related to the organization and any proposed <br />IGAs. <br />The district proponents must file a service plan with the City. The City <br />Council holds a public hearing to approve, approve with conditions, or <br />disapprove the proposed service plan. If approved, district proponents file <br />in district court for authority to organize and hold election. <br />Council member Lipton said the initial elections is by a small group, closely <br />held election. How does TABOR enter into this? Does TABOR limit ability to <br />raise revenue? Limits must be voted on by electors. <br />Council member Dickinson said the initial decisions are very important. <br />Spread out over more people as time goes on. Attorney Kelly agreed and <br />said the initial decisions chart a course that cannot be undone. <br />Mayor Stolzmann asked about multiple district structures. <br />Council member Maloney said people purchasing properties sometimes <br />don't seem to know they are in a metro district. How can this be <br />communicated and allow people to do more due diligence? Attorney Kelly <br />said that has been a struggle to communicate. Notices can be posted in <br />sales office, showing a calculation of how much the homeowner will pay. <br />