| District FAQs | Water FAQs | Wastewater/Stormwater FAQs |
| Parks, Community Center, Recreation FAQs | Rebates FAQs | Billing FAQs |
| HOA FAQs |
What is a Metro District?
A Metro District is a governmental entity with limited powers. The Metro District is established under title 32 of the Colorado State Statute as a political subdivision of the State of Colorado. It is a limited power governmental entity because it has only the powers outlined in its service plan. The board members governing a metro district are elected by the district’s residents and property owners. (Read Stonegate Village's Service Plan.)
What is a mill levy?
A mill levy is the tax rate that is applied to the assessed value of a property. One mill is one dollar per $1,000 dollars of assessed value.
EXAMPLE FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY:
The actual value of Mr. Brown’s home is $300,000. The Notice of Valuation shows the current assessment percentage is 7.96 percent.
Actual Value x Assessment Percentage = Assessed Value
$ 300,000 x 7.96% = $ 23,880
To determine the property tax, multiply the assessed value times the decimal equivalent of the total mill levy. A mill is equal to 1/1000 of a dollar. A tax rate is the mill levy expressed as a percentage. Thus 98.42 mills = 9.842 percent or .09842 as the decimal equivalent.
If Mr. Brown’s assessed value is $23,880, his taxes will be:
Assessed Value x Mill Levy = Taxes
$ 23,880 x .09842 = $ 2,350.27
(Source: http://www.douglas.co.us/assessor/Property_Tax_Calculations.html)
What does the District do with the mills (property tax) it collects?
The mill levy you pay on your property tax bill goes primarily to pay off the debt that built the water and wastewater system. A small portion of it also goes to operations of the parks, open space and recreation within the District.
My mill levy is high, what does the District do with this money?
The mill levy you pay on your property tax bill goes primarily to pay off the debt that was acquired to build the water and sanitary sewer system. A small portion of it goes to operations of the District.
Who decides on our water rates?
The District Board determines the water and wastewater rates based on an analysis of the required revenue and expenses of the District. The rates are based on providing revenue to equal the operation, maintenance and capital improvement costs.
Can I have any input to the Board?
Yes, you can provide input to the Board either by using the “contact us” on this website, or writing a letter to the Board. Please know you are always welcome to attend any of our Board meetings. Should you desire to speak directly to the Board, it is important to let us know before the meeting starts.
Why does the District water open space when residents are not permitted to water their lawns?
The majority of the open space in Stonegate is irrigated with treated effluent water (nonpotable water). Because of the size of the open space (100 acres) it is not water efficient to irrigate the entire area in one night. However, consistent with the need to conserve, the District’s irrigation system is controlled by a weather station and ET Controller for the purpose of providing the turf with proper amount of water.
Who do I call when I see a broken sprinkler in the parks or open space?
Please call the District office at 303-858-9909; tell them that you need to report a broken sprinkler.
My water has been shut off. Why?
If your water has been shut off, it could be due to non-payment. If you have any past due balance on your account older than 30 days, your account is considered delinquent and is subject to shut off. You will continue to receive a monthly bill showing current charges along with any past due. Past due charges are due immediately to avoid disconnection of service. A delinquent notice is printed on a yellow form and is mailed prior to disconnection of service. Payment is due by noon on the disconnect date listed or services will be disconnected. Once the water is turned off, there is a $50 involuntary diconnect fee and a $50 reconnect fee due along with the balance in order to reconnect services. If payment is not received in our office by 2:30 pm, services will be reconnected the following day. Please call the office with any questions.
Where does our water come from?
We currently pump our water from Denver Basin aquifers deep below the District. This is a non-renewable water source because the aquifers are enclosed with bedrock. In other words, rain and snow runoff do not replenish the waters. The District is currently actively seeking renewable water supply.
Why is my water brown and/or cloudy?
A change of pressure in the water lines, likely due to line or hydrant flushing or construction activity, has stirred up the naturally occurring iron and manganese sediment in the water. The water is perfectly safe for consumption. The water should clear up within 24-48 hours. While the water is brown, avoid washing white clothes, as it may stain them. If you have washed your white clothes in it and they are stained, you can launder them in RIT rust remover or a similar product once the water clears. If you continue to have problems with the color, please call the District office at 303-858-9909 and we will have an operator flush the lines again near your home.
Why does my water occasionally smell like rotten eggs?
The most common cause of odor in hot water is the water heater. If your cold water smells fine, check your water heater to ensure that the temperature setting is correct. Water heaters also need to be maintained (see manufacturer’s instructions). Please contact us if the odor persists or if it is present in both the hot and cold water. One solution is to turn the temperature up on the water heater for an hour or so, to kill any bacteria, then to flush the hot water out the tap until it runs cold.
What is the water quality?
Because our water comes from deep ground aquifers, the quality is very high. Very little treatment is necessary before delivering it to your tap. Only disinfection (chlorination) is required before it meets water quality standards set by the State of Colorado.
If the water quality is so good, why are we searching for other water sources?
Water from aquifers is a non-renewable resource. If we don’t find and purchase additional water sources, it will either dry up or it will become prohibitively expensive to pump from the existing wells. That’s because our wells, where we get our water, are enclosed in rock and thus don’t allow for any water to seep in and replenish them.
Is it better to use a commercial car wash to clean my vehicle rather than washing it at home?
Yes. Commercial car washes typically use less water than you would use at home. In addition, they treat or recycle their wastewater; thus, keeping it out of our creeks, rivers, and lakes.
If the District is on wells, why isn't the water free?
Even though the District gets water from the Denver Basin aquifer, there are electrical and chemical costs associated with pumping, treating, and distributing the water. The District currently has 15 wells, a water treatment facility, and miles of distribution lines to get the water to your homes. On a daily basis, the entire system has to be checked to make sure that your service is uninterrupted. It’s important to know the District continues to look for ways to improve service to the community, including the acquisition of renewable water.
Why does my water appear milky or cloudy?
A milky or cloudy appearance is usually caused by air bubbles in the water, which pose no health risk. If the water is allowed to sit, the air will dissipate and the water will clear. If the cloudiness does not disappear, please contact us so that we may investigate.
How is wastewater treated?
Stonegate Village has its own wastewater treatment plant facility that provides wastewater service for the Stonegate community. The plant is located northwest corner of E470 and Parker Road.
Do wastewater systems and stormwater systems flow through the same pipes?
No. Wastewater systems flow to a treatment plant, but stormwater systems flow directly into the creeks, rivers, and lakes without the benefit of treatment. Watch H2O Jo Takes a Trip Down the Storm Drain or visit OneThingIsClear.org to learn more.
Can paint, solvents, and used motor oil be safely disposed of into a stormwater system?
No. Only rainwater should be entering the stormwater system. Anything else could be considered an illicit discharge and a violation of local, state, and federal laws. Tri-County Health Department provides information on how to dispose of Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) in your community.
Are grass clippings, garden trimmings, and fallen leaves a source of water pollution?
Yes. These items generally contain a high percentage of fertilizers and chemicals, which impacts the quality of water. Organic materials, such as grass clippings, deplete the oxygen level in the water, which is harmful to aquatic life. Yard waste can clog the storm drain system and cause flooding of neighborhood streets. Sweeping yard waste into the street or storm inlet could be considered an illicit discharge and a violation of local, state, and federal laws.
Do storm drain inlets remove pollutants?
No. Storm drain inlets, the metal grate and/or curb opening that allow surface water to enter the stormwater drainage system, are connected directly to storm pipes that flow straight into our creeks, rivers, and lakes.
How can I help reduce stormwater pollution in my area?
Participate in the next creek cleanup in your area. Storm drain stenciling events – where the destination of stormwater is clearly marked on the drain – are a fun way to let your neighbors know the storm drain is only for rain. Attend public hearings or meetings on the topic so you can express your concerns. Report stormwater violations when you spot them to your local government. Keep learning about polluted stormwater runoff and tell a friend!
Where do I get a pool ID card?
Pool registration is open to residents of Stonegate and Lincoln Park only. Online registration is required through our website. Create an account and enter the names of the adults and children permanently living in the household. There will be a receipt to print out at the end of the process. Take the printed receipt, a copy of your water bill, showing the $32/month Park and Recreation fee, and your photo ID to the pool on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 6 PM and 8 PM and they can make a card for you there. If this time does not work for you, please call the pool directly at 720-851-3093 to make alternative arrangements.
How do I get the access code to use the tennis courts?
Please call our office at 303-858-9909 with the account number from your water bill. Because they do not pay the $32 monthly park and recreation fee, residents of Compark and Dove Ridge do not have access to the tennis courts.
Can I reserve the park pavilion for a private function?
The park pavilion on the south side of Stonegate (near the south pool and tennis courts) can be reserved at no charge on a first come/first served basis. Please call our office at 303-858-9909 to make reservations. The park pavilion on the north side on Lincoln Ave., in the Lincoln Park Metropolitan District, can be reserved by calling R.S. Wells, the management company for the Lincoln Park Metropolitan District, at 303-779-4525.
Can the pool be reserved for private functions?
Yes, the pool can be reserved during regular hours or after hours, for a fee, for private functions. Please call the pool directly at 720-851-3093 to make arrangements.
Can I reserve the Community Center or the Activity Room at the South Pool?
Yes, residents of Stonegate Village or Lincoln Park only may reserve the Community Center or the Activity Room for private functions. Please contact the District office for more information and to make reservations. Please also read the rules, regulations and rental documents on our website.
Can we use the pool in Lincoln Park Metropolitan District?
Yes, residents of Stonegate Village Metropolitan District, with a valid pool ID, may also use the pool located in the Lincoln Park Metropolitan District.
How can I make requests to the District for improvements to the pool or playgrounds?
You can do any of the following three things: 1) talk to the District staff at 303-858-9909 and ask them to relay your requests to the Board; 2) write a letter to the District Board - it can be mailed to 2 Inverness Drive East, Ste 200, Englewood, CO 80112; or 3) attend a Board meeting, which meets the third Wednesday of every month at 2 Inverness Drive East, Ste 200, Englewood, CO 80112 at 5:00 p.m.
How much money can I apply for in rebates?
You can receive up to $1,600 of rebate funds (per household) if you invest in all four water efficient products. Click here for more information.
If I recently purchased any of the items, can I get a rebate?
The Stonegate Rebate Program began January 1, 2010. Any purchases prior to that date do not qualify. For further information or questions please review our rebates. Click here for more information.
What can I do to receive a Stonegate Rebate?
There are four ways you can earn rebate funds. The Smart Evapotranspiration Controller can effectively water your new moneysaving landscape. A Smartscape Renovation––converting part of your grass to a more valuable, water-saving landscape. Rotary Irrigation Nozzles saves thousands of gallons of water per year. Purchasing a High-Efficiency Clothes Washer can save thousands of gallons of water per year.
What stores offer the rebate materials?
The following are some of the retailers that offer products for these rebates…
Appliance Factory Outlet
6202 E. Pine Ln, Parker, CO
720-851-8855
Lowe’s
10000 S. Twenty Mile Rd, Parker, CO
720-842-4300
Pine Lane Nursery
18200 Apache Dr., Parker, CO
303-841-3009
Parker Sprinkler Supply Co
18648 Longs Way, Parker, CO
303-805-1575
Home Depot
11111 S. Parker Rd, Parker, CO
303-805-9991
Can I pay my bill online?
Yes. Click here to be redirected to our payment provider. Credit cards are accepted, but a service charge is added. The service charge is a sliding fee based on the amount you are paying:
$0-50 – $2.00 fee
$50.01-100.00 – $2.95 fee
$100.01-200.00 – $4.95 fee
$200.01-300.00 – $6.95 fee
For each subsequent $100.00, add $2.00 to the fee
Can I pay over the phone?
We do take credit cards over the phone, but a service charge is added. The service charge is a sliding fee based on the amount you are paying:
$0-50 – $2.00 fee
$50.01-100.00 – $2.95 fee
$100.01-200.00 – $4.95 fee
$200.01-300.00 – $6.95 fee
For each subsequent $100.00, add $2.00 to the fee
Can I pay by auto draft?
Yes. Download the form on this website and submit it to our office along with a voided check. Please allow one billing cycle to set up the auto draft account.
Can you explain the charges on my bill?
Which homeowners association (HOA) serves Stonegate?
The Stonegate Village Home Owner’s Association is managed by Professional Community Management Services (PCMS.) The HOA handles covenant enforcement throughout the District. This is an annual fee that you pay unlike the monthly fees for water and sewer. Be careful not to confuse the Stonegate Village Metro District with the Stonegate Village Homeowner’s Association when making payments.
Why does the District take care of the parks and recreation and not the homeowners association (HOA)?
When the District was created, one of the purposes for it was to maintain parks and open space. The District, being a governmental entity, has the ability to collect revenue to pay for these services.
What are my homeowner’s association (HOA) dues?
Please contact the HOA management company, PCMS, at 303-224-0004 or www.smartstreet.org for HOA information.
Where do I submit paint samples, landscape changes, architectural changes, etc.?
Please contact the HOA management company, PCMS, at 303-224-0004 or www.smartstreet.org for HOA submittal and review information.
