Board approves Falcon Field metropolitan district service plan, authorizes up to $35 million debt

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 21 approved a special district service plan that amends the existing Falcon Field Metropolitan District and creates two new residential metropolitan districts for the Commons at Falcon Field development east of Highway 24.

County staff described the combined proposal as covering about 57.67 acres and seeking a maximum debt authorization of $35,000,000. Under the plan the two residential districts would carry a combined maximum debt service mill levy of 50 mills, an operations and maintenance (O&M) levy of 10 mills and a 5‑mill special purpose levy, producing a total residential cap of 65 mills. The existing commercial district was shown with a total maximum combined mill levy cap of 40 mills (30 mills debt service, 5 mills O&M and 5 mills special purpose).

The county planning staff said the plan conforms to the master plan’s objective that development pay for necessary public improvements and noted Woodman Hills Metropolitan District will operate water and wastewater infrastructure to be constructed and dedicated by the new districts. Staff also noted recent state legislation requiring a 40‑year maximum imposition period for debt service mill levies in residential districts; the applicant included that limitation in the service plan.

Applicant representatives said the service plan reflects an amended and restated original plan and the creation of two residential districts to serve a previously approved preliminary plan (Commons at Falcon Field filings) that anticipates 169 single‑family lots in a mix of urban and higher‑density residential zoning plus a commercial pocket. The applicant’s financial consultant presented a plan that envisions an initial debt issuance later in 2027, a refinancing around 2037 and estimated impacts of roughly $2,300 per year on the average home (based on scenario assumptions presented to the county).

The commission held limited discussion. Commissioners noted the new state debt‑term limit, and one commissioner thanked staff for the background briefing for newer members. With no public opposition at the hearing, the commission voted 5–0 to approve the service plan. The record shows the roll call as Commissioner Wysong: Aye; Commissioner Nelson: Aye; Commissioner Applegate: Aye; Vice Chair Williams: Aye; Chair Geithner: Aye.

What’s next: With board approval the applicant intends to seek a district court order to organize the two new residential districts and hold an election; staff said formation could be subject to a December court order and later organization procedures under Title 32.