Why do we need rate increases?
The proposed water rate increases for are to cover the costs of producing, treating, testing, storing and distributing water to residences.
The proposed wastewater rate increases are to cover the costs of collecting, moving, treating, testing, sludge removal and discharging wastewater.
Water and wastewater treatment is a rising cost industry because of expanding government regulations, increasing utility costs, aging infrastructure, as well as increasing repair and maintenance costs.
Some treatment equipment that is 30 years old and some main lines that are as old as 50 years, are still servicing residents and need replacement.
Has the decision to raise rates in May of 2021 already been decided?
At this time, the District’s Board is reviewing proposed rate increases from its engineering and financial experts. Before any rate increase decisions are made, all residents in the community can review the same documents the board is reviewing and provide input at the upcoming March and April public board meetings. To review the proposed rate increases,
click here.
Is there due process for how the District’s rates get increased?
Being a special district governed by state law and overseen by a board comprised of residents, rate increases are never taken lightly. That’s why we have a transparent process whereby any proposed rate increase must undergo an extremely thorough examination involving District’s financial experts and management and then reviewed by the board at public meetings before being approved.
Will the proposed rate increases be reviewed at public meetings?
Yes, the proposed rate increases will also be reviewed at the upcoming March 17th and April 21st board meetings, both of which welcome the public. The board’s decision on any rate increases will be voted on at the April meeting. If either of the meetings is held virtually, a Zoom link will be listed on our website.
Is the new Remuda Ranch Development causing the rate increases?
No, the development has already paid inclusion fees and contributed renewable water to the District. The development has paid for all legal and engineering costs. The development has paid all construction costs and will contribute the infrastructure to the District once accepted by the board. The new property owners will pay all applicable tap and development fees.
If the proposed rates went into effect, what would the average bill increase to?
The monthly change to the total water and wastewater bill would be an increase of about $121. Since we bill every other month (bi-monthly), that would be a little over $242 for the two months.
How much are the proposed water and wastewater rate increases?
The financial experts are recommending a 10% increase for all water and wastewater usage rates in order to pay for the community’s infrastructure requirements. The capital improvement fee, however, is being proposed to increase by $25 per month or $50 for the two-month billing cycle. The tap and development fees are proposed to increase by 10% as well. None of the proposed rate increases have been approved at this time.
Why would the District’s Board consider raising the capital improvement fee by $25 per month?
The increase is necessary for infrastructure upgrades, replacement, and maintenance. The District has completed a District wide electrical evaluation of all treatment facilities. Based on the results of the evaluation the District needs to schedule the replacement of three generators that were acquired in 1999, that are at their maximum load capacity. Additionally, surge protection devices need to be installed at all treatment locations. The District has already completed the relocation and replacement of some of the power panels as recommended. Additionally, as was contemplated in the 2016 Comprehensive Master Plan the District completed an in depth evaluation of the Waucondah Wastewater Treatment Plant. Due to odor and noise concerns expressed by Customers in the area, the District has focused attention on immediate needs and long term improvements that must be completed.
Do the District’s board members pay the same rates as everyone else?
Yes, the District’s board members are all customers of the District and thus pay the same rates as everyone else. The monthly board meetings are open to the public.
Who are the District’s board members?
All of the District’s Board members are property owners and/or residents of the community, that are registered voters of Colorado. Typically, qualified residents apply for the position and are elected by registered voters in Perry Park to serve four-year terms. They can also be appointed by the Board, should a seat become vacant before an election. Directors can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Because they all are customers of the District, they pay the same rates as all customers. By Colorado law, each director can be compensated $100 per meeting, with a maximum of $2,400 per year. Meet your board members by
clicking here.