Notices
We would like to help you better understand how our Cotton Ranch Raw water system operates. The water user fees cover the overall cost of operating and maintaining the system. When the pumphouses are turned on (irrigation season is April – October, we usually shut down the systems Mid - end of October based on climatic conditions), the irrigation water system is charged, and costs begin to accrue regardless of whether water is delivered immediately. As such, all constituents connected to the system within Cotton Ranch and Sky Legend are billed for irrigation water for six months each year. The funds collected are used to pay for the operation and maintenance of the ditches that deliver water to the two pump houses, the costs of operating the pumps, the electric bills, the operations manager, the District's management company, attorneys, and repairs and maintenance expenses. The fee is broken down into a base fee, which covers all fixed expenses, and an incremental user fee to cover costs in excess of the fixed expenses
A few comments for you to reflect on:
1. Please be aware that the Metropolitan District Board can levy property taxes up to 30 mills per year on your assessed value. The Board only levies the amount “needed” by the District and therefore has been giving property tax mill levy credits each year. For property taxes paid in 2026, the District’s mill levy credit was 4.819 mills, which results in a tax savings of $270 per year on a typical home in Cotton Ranch (valued at $900,000). It is extremely rare for a taxing entity to grant a tax credit.
2. The District has long-term debt, which the Board refinanced in 2021 at a very favorable rate of 2.39%, resulting in savings of $1,276,000 to the District’s constituents over the next 15 years.
3. We are very fortunate to have very old and senior water rights from Gypsum Creek, which gives us raw water at a very low cost compared to our neighboring communities. Ask anyone living in Eagle Ranch or the Town of Gypsum how this compares to their irrigation water user fees.
All District Board members have always kept property taxes, user fees and operating costs to a minimum for the benefit of all constituents living in our community.
If you have further questions, please reach back out to us.
Regards,
Cotton Ranch Metropolitan District
Dear Sky Legend and Cotton Ranch Homeowners,
This is a reminder regarding irrigation watering schedules and maintenance watering periods within Sky Legend and Cotton Ranch.
The Metro District holds the community water rights and establishes the permitted irrigation watering days and hours. Irrigation systems may only be operated during the approved watering schedule, except during designated maintenance periods.
For Sky Legend homeowners, the Wednesday maintenance watering window from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM is specifically intended to allow residents to:
- Check sprinkler coverage
- Make irrigation adjustments
- Perform repairs and maintenance to backyard irrigation systems
Sky Legend watering days are:
- Tuesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
Villas Watering days:
- Tuesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
Cotton Ranch watering days are:
Odd Number houses:
- Tuesday
- Thursday
- Saturday
Even Number houses:
- Wednesday
- Friday
- Sunday
Monday is a no water day and repair day if needed.
Please note that irrigation water service may occasionally be disrupted due to leaks, line breaks, or necessary repairs. If interruptions occur or if the watering schedule changes, the district will notify the association promptly.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping conserve water and maintain the community irrigation system.