After a contentious and expensive legal battle, Castle Pines has stopped its plan to eliminate and integrate the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District.
The metro district will continue to provide water, sewer and other services to the estimated 10,000 people and 3,200 customers who live and work in Castle Pines.
The Castle Pines City Council last month voted to withdraw its petition to dissolve the metro district, and a Douglas County District Court judge recently approved the request.
“I think it’s positive for the community, and we’ll move forward,” said district manager Jim Worley. “I would think it’s what the residents want.”
Castle Pines officials did not return phone calls for comment.
But Mayor Jeff Huff and the metro district’s board president, Steve Labossiere, recently released a joint statement, saying it was time to work together.
“We believe both city council and the metropolitan district board are firmly committed to moving positively forward and collaborating to develop and implement cost- saving strategies for the benefit of the people we jointly serve,” they said in the statement.
When Castle Pines incorporated four years ago, the plan was to integrate the metro district into the city. City officials said it could provide the services more cheaply, saving at least $500,000 a year. But members of the metro district did not want the district to go away. Since early 2010, Castle Pines and the metro district have spent more than $500,000 in legal fees.
Both sides also agreed to share snow-plowing equipment and to work together to clear side streets during heavy snowstorms. Aside from water and sewer, the metro district also provides parks and recreation services.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
