In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implications of various stormwater rate increase scenarios for the upcoming fiscal year. The conversation highlighted significant disparities in stormwater billing compared to neighboring municipalities, with Boulder noted for its high rates, attributed to past flood management costs.

Three scenarios were presented for consideration: a 0% increase, a 5% increase, and a more aggressive 13.75% increase. Under the 0% increase scenario, there would be no immediate impact on customer bills, but it would necessitate deferring $10.25 million in debt issuance to 2026, leading to a steep 25% increase in rates that year, followed by additional increases in subsequent years.

The 5% increase scenario, mirroring last year's adjustment, would result in a modest $2.97 annual increase, translating to a 50-cent bimonthly rise. This approach would still require $11 million in debt issuance in 2026, with further debt anticipated in the following years.

The most aggressive option, a 13.75% increase, would allow for full funding of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and would involve issuing $8.3 million in debt in 2025, with subsequent debt issuances every other year. This scenario would result in an annual customer impact of $8.17, or approximately $1.36 per bimonthly bill.

Officials emphasized the importance of balancing immediate financial impacts with long-term infrastructure needs, noting that the 0% increase would limit funding capabilities significantly. The discussion underscored the need for careful consideration of rate adjustments to ensure sustainable stormwater management while minimizing the financial burden on residents.