Commissioners Approve Monument Ridge Metro District Service Plan with Conditions

On July 17, 2025, the El Paso County Planning Commission convened to discuss significant developments regarding the Monument Ridge Metropolitan Districts. The meeting primarily focused on the approval of a special district service plan for Metropolitan Districts numbers 1 through 3, which aims to facilitate public improvements in the area.

The discussion highlighted the financial structure of the proposed plan, particularly the debt service and mill levy caps. The plan includes a special purpose mill levy cap designated for covenant enforcement, ensuring that no debt service mill levy will be imposed on properties already subject to such levies by other districts. This structure is designed to provide transparency and safeguard property owners, as it includes annual reports to the county and disclosure notices to purchasers.

Commissioner Carrie Stutz clarified that a recent service plan revision corrected minor typographical errors but did not alter the financial plan's integrity. This assurance was crucial for the commissioners as they prepared to forward the plan to the Board of County Commissioners for further consideration.

The commissioners unanimously approved the service plan, reflecting a 5-0 vote in favor. This decision underscores the county's commitment to managing growth effectively while ensuring that public improvements are funded in a manner that is equitable for residents.

In addition to the service plan discussion, the meeting included a presentation on updates to the land development code by Clarion Associates. This segment of the meeting, while non-actionable, is expected to influence future planning and development strategies in El Paso County.

Overall, the Planning Commission's actions during this meeting are significant as they lay the groundwork for future development in the Monument Ridge area, addressing both the financial mechanisms for public improvements and the regulatory framework guiding land use in the county. The next steps will involve the Board of County Commissioners reviewing the approved service plan, which could lead to further discussions on the implications for local residents and developers alike.