Castle Rock voters appear to have approved the town’s request for a .2% sales tax increase to hire 40 more first responders, according to early returns after polls closed on Tuesday.

According to the unofficial results on Wednesday morning, the measure took a held a near 12-point lead, 55.95% to 44.05% with 80.53% of active voters counted.

The tax increase, which would cost residents 20 cents for every $100 spent, to solely fund more public safety officers. Both police and fire departments are supported by the Castle Rock sales tax.

It is the first sales tax increase in the home rule community since 2011.

With its approval, Castle Rock’s combined sales tax rate would reach 8.1%. Currently, Castle Rock’s sales tax rate sits at 4%, plus the 1% with Douglas County and 2.9% with the state.

The sales tax is proposed to accommodate an increased number of emergency response calls in the town, according to both Castle Rock police and fire departments.

The home rule community, which serves as a thoroughfare for travelers between Colorado Springs and Denver, has grown considerably in the past four years. Its population has increased by over 10,000 people since 2020, prompting the town to project a higher need for first responders to 88,000 residents.

Between 2025 and 2029, Castle Rock officials seek to hire 22 police officers and 18 firefighters.

In the past 10 years, the Castle Rock Police Department has reported a 200% increase in “immediate” or “urgent” emergency response calls, according to the department.

In 2019, the Castle Rock Police Department received 11,922 for service. Whereas, in 2024, the police department projects that number to reach 14,483 calls, according to police officials.

“It’s more than just the numbers. It’s about the complexity of calls that we’re experiencing at this point in time,” said Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley. “We’re seeing more assaults on police officers and more individuals who are not complying with officers.”

Currently, Castle Rock has 1.1 officers per 1,000 residents, according to Cauley.

The town’s fire department witnessed a similar increase in service calls.

In 2012, the Castle Rock Fire Department reported 3,945 calls and, just over decade later, received 6,340 calls in 2023.

“As you look at our call volume, as you look at our population increase, and as you look at our staffing increases, and all those different things, we have not been able to keep up as well,” Castle Rock Fire Chief Norris Croom III said.

The fire chief said the sales tax will help add more firefighters, paramedics and EMT’s.