Northglenn reviews recommended 2026 capital improvement program; sanitation rate increase proposed

Deputy City Manager Jason Loveland presented the City of Northglenn’s recommended 2026 Capital Improvement Program to the City Council on Aug. 18, 2025, outlining projected revenues, carryovers and proposed projects across five funds and flagging a proposed sanitation service rate increase that staff plans to bring back for formal action this fall.

Loveland told the council, “So our plan tonight is to go over, the 5 remaining funds, that really kinda make up our capital improvement program,” and walked members through the conservation trust, capital projects, water, wastewater and stormwater funds. He said the presentation would also return later in the meeting to the sanitation rate discussion and invited council questions throughout the briefing.

Why it matters: the recommended CIP groups citywide capital spending and identifies both routine maintenance needs and multi‑year, high-cost projects that will affect future operating budgets and potential borrowing. The wastewater program in particular includes plans that staff say could require large revenue bond issuances, and the sanitation fund faces pressure from rising vehicle and operating costs.

Major budget totals and funding sources - Capital projects fund: staff showed estimated 2026 revenue of about $13.7 million (including grants) and noted that, excluding grant awards, the fund’s sustainable annual investment would be closer to $8.8 million. - Water fund: beginning fund balance shown at about $34.8 million and annual revenues in the $12–13 million range. Loveland said some sales/use tax transfers to the general fund reduced amounts previously available to the water fund. - Wastewater fund: staff flagged planned revenue bond issuances of $23 million in 2026 and $33 million in 2028 (a combined $56 million) to support a large multi‑year wastewater treatment plant upgrade. Loveland said…