WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — After a presentation of a stormwater-utility feasibility study, the Wheat Ridge City Council on Oct. 13 agreed by consensus to begin the implementation process for a stormwater utility and concurrent public outreach.

Consultant findings presented

Jennifer Tedancis of Bratellis Financial Consultants told the council the stormwater master-plan inputs identify just over $35 million in capital projects over a 10‑year planning period and roughly $2 million per year in operations and maintenance costs. The consultant described industry-standard billing based on impervious area and said the team measured impervious cover on a representative sample of 400 single-family parcels.

Key technical points the consultant presented included:

- An Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) for Wheat Ridge of 3,800 square feet of impervious surface, based on the median measurement from the sample.
- Approximately 8,900 ERUs in the single-family residential class and about 13,900 ERUs in the non‑single-family class, for roughly 23,000 total ERUs citywide.
- A modeled rate schedule starting at $10 per month and rising to $17 per month over a 10‑year period to fund capital, operations, reserves and modest debt service. The model did not assume external grants or other offsetting funds.

Council direction

Councilors asked technical questions about credit programs for properties built with advanced stormwater detention, administrative billing logistics given the city does not issue water/sanitation bills directly, and equity concerns for properties with large lots and limited impervious area. Staff and the consultant said credit programs and appeals are typical implementation considerations and would be developed during the next phase.

Council expressed broad support for starting the implementation steps; Councilor Hoppe requested staff begin the process and incorporate a public-education and outreach program. Staff and the consultant estimated implementation and outreach could take about 9 to 12 months depending on policy choices and the depth of data collection (for example, parcel-level impervious-area measurement for non single-family properties).

No fee was adopted at the Oct. 13 meeting; council approved by consensus to begin the public process and directed staff to return with implementation details and outreach plans.