Your Town Talk | October 2026

OCTOBER 2026

Public safety is a top focus of

Proposed 2027 Budget

Ensuring public safety is a top priority for the Town of Castle Rock. In the Town’s Proposed 2027 Budget, that looks like five new members in both the Fire and Police departments and the opening of a new fire station next year.

Enhancing roads and securing the Town’s water future are additional top priorities the Town would invest in under the proposed budget, which totals $411.8 million. Town Council is set to review and adopt the 2027 Budget at its October meetings. The full proposed budget and supporting documents are online at CRgov.com /2027Budget.

The balanced financial plan that supports the proposed budget includes almost $60 million in road improvements and nearly $150 million in water infrastructure projects over the upcoming five-year

period. If new home development continues trending slower than typical, that could affect the timing of these investments.

Maintaining strong parks and recreation is another priority addressed in the proposed budget. Five new full-time positions are proposed in 2027 in support of opening the new Castle Rock Sports Center in the Brickyard area in midyear.

The Town’s property tax mill levy would remain the same in 2027 under the proposal, meaning the owner of a median-valued home in Town ($635,115) would pay only about $35 a year in property taxes to the Town. The Town relies heavily on sales tax to provide critical services, including fire and police protection. About 40% of the Town’s employees work in either the Fire or Police department.

Have a frightfully safe Halloween

The Castle Rock Police Department and Castle Rock Fire and Rescue want everyone to enjoy a safe Halloween. Carry a flashlight or glow stick, add reflective tape to costumes and use crosswalks.

Children should trick-or-treat with a trusted adult, never enter a stranger’s home and have their treats checked before eating. Make sure costumes fit well to prevent trips and falls, and use battery-operated candles in jack-o’-lanterns.

Happy Halloween, Castle Rock!

Crowfoot Valley Road widening complete

Getting around northern Castle Rock is now easier with the completion of the Crowfoot Valley Road widening project.

Finished on time and on budget, the project improved Crowfoot Valley Road between Knobcone Drive and Macanta Boulevard. Community input helped shape improvements, including taller medians where possible and narrower travel lanes to reduce speeds.

Other improvements include two through lanes in each direction, turn lanes, sidewalks, on-street bike lanes, streetlights and a traffic signal.

State of the Town: A look back and a look ahead

Mayor Jason Gray presented his final State of the Town as the Town’s first elected at-large mayor on Oct. 1. The event highlighted the Town of Castle Rock’s accomplishments and the projects and priorities shaping the community’s future.

Missed the event or want to see and overview of the presentation? Watch the State of the Town videos at CRgov.com /StateOfTheTown, or scan the QR code.

new Fire and Police personnel proposed in the Town’s 2027 budget

$8.7M
invested by the Town and Douglas County to improve Crowfoot Valley Road between Knobcone Drive and Macanta Boulevard

4,939

Link On Demand rides completed in Castle Rock in August, the service’s first full month in Town

Linked On Demand car parked on a street in Castle Rock

Link On Demand rideshare service is available to everyone at no cost.

Link On Demand: Free, flexible rides around Castle Rock

Need a ride to a medical appointment, the grocery store, work or another destination? Link On Demand provides a flexible transportation option throughout Castle Rock and to select destinations in other parts of Douglas County.

The app-based service is available to everyone at no cost to riders. Link On Demand uses shared vans, meaning you’ll likely ride with other passengers traveling in the same direction. Along the way, the van may make additional stops to pick up or drop off other riders.

To request a ride, download the Link On Demand app, create an account and enter your pickup and drop-off locations. Rides can also be booked by calling 719-212-2430.

Link On Demand app, create an account and enter your pickup and drop-off locations. Rides can also be booked by calling 719-212-2430.

Typical wait times are 10 to 25 minutes per ride, depending on demand.

Riders must be at least 13 to ride alone. Children younger than 13 must ride with a parent or guardian.

Adults age 60 and up and people with disabilities can prebook rides at least three hours in advance through the app or by phone.

Learn more about service areas, hours and how to ride at CRgov.com /LinkOnDemand.

How do you shower better?

Your best ideas might happen in the shower, but they don’t need a 20-minute meeting. October is Shower Better Month — a reminder to stay inspired while using less water. Try a two-song shower playlist and wrap up when the music ends. For savings that don’t require a timer, swap an older showerhead for a WaterSense-labeled model. The average family can save about 2,700 gallons annually, plus energy used heating water, with an updated model. Now, that’s a refreshing change of routine!

Fall fun is coming

Pumpkins, spice and everything spooky return this month at two favorite events. Get a head start on Halloween at Spooktacular from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park. Then, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, head to Festival Park for seasonal activities, vendors and Creepy Crawlies Around the Rock at the Fall Festival.

Keep up to date on the latest events and meetings, visit CRgov.com /Events.

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Fall fun is coming

﻿Keep up to date on the latest events and meetings, visit CRgov.com/Events.

Keep up to date on the latest events and meetings, visit CRgov.com /Events.