Board reviews proposed 2026 budgets: water, sewer and stormwater plans and rate guidance

Utility staff presented the proposed 2026 budgets for the Water, Sewer and Stormwater enterprise funds at the June 10 meeting and explained how multi‑year capital plans, federal and state loans, and rolling project timelines affect rates and fund balances.

Peter (first name only in the transcript), who said he splits time as director of utilities and director of South Platte Renew, reviewed the water fund. He said the water fund serves about 34,000 residents and 2,100 businesses and that the utility’s strategy focuses on modernization projects (including City Ditch piping) to improve taste, odor and hardness, and to increase system resiliency. He said the proposed 2026 total budget for the water fund was about $51 million (down from an earlier $53 million projection) reflecting timing changes in capital execution. Peter said the utility anticipates drawing WIFIA funds over multiple years and that slowing draws reduces interest accruals;…