Cuts in transportation, recreation proposed for 2010
In order to make ends meet for 2010, the Town of Castle Rock is considering budget cuts in transportation and recreation.
The proposed 2010 budget was discussed at the town council meeting last week.
"It's been a little tough because of the economic times we've been going through," said Charles Montoya, town finance director.
"The budget is built very conservatively," he said. "We have not taken any aggressive approaches to revenues or expenditures."
The budget shows an expected $85 million in revenue and $106 million in expenditures. The estimated $21 million shortfall will be offset by capital project reserves, Montoya said.
The 2010 expenditures are below 2009 levels due to the completion of a number of capital projects and the elimination of 12 full-time town positions. No further layoffs are expected in 2010.
Transportation is one area expected to take a major hit due to revenue shortfalls. The town's free bus service, CATCO, is facing a reduction in service and possibly charging a fare. The amount is yet to be determined.
CATCO service would be eliminated on the nine holidays the town observes and on Saturdays. Two hours of service would be eliminated each day along with service to Founders Village and The Meadows.
According to Bob Goebel, director of public works, an $80,000 grant from CDOT may help with some of the reductions in CATCO services. The town is still determining how to best apply the funds.
Another transit reduction is the elimination of funding for the FrontRange Express (FREX) commuter bus between Colorado Springs and Denver, which stops in Castle Rock.
Colorado Springs has decided to eliminate funding, and even if Castle Rock continued its funding it would not save FREX, Goebel said. CDOT is considering funding the service, but has not made a decision.
Another program facing elimination is the Masters Swimming adult program at the Castle Rock Recreation Center.
"I absolutely love this program," swimmer Molly Crawford told town council.
She acknowledged that the participation in the program hasn't been very high and suggested that practice times be cut in lieu of cutting the program.
"It is an essential part of most people's workout who swim, because there is one (indoor) pool in all of Castle Rock for 42,000 people," Crawford said. "So if we can have designated lanes, with a team, that is one way to facilitate our need."
Council will hear the budget on first reading at its Nov. 17 meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St. The budget will be finalized at the Dec. 8 meeting. A copy of the proposed budget is available online at crgov.com.
Erin Feese: 303-954-2953 or feesee@yourhub.com