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Highlands Ranch board adopts 2026 budget, approves fee schedules and water rate changes
Summary
The Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board adopted an approximately $91.4 million 2026 operating budget, certified a 12.25-mill levy, approved 2026 fee schedules per GASB 54 and amended the Highlands Ranch Water agreement to raise typical single-family water bills about 8.13%.
The Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board on Dec. 10 adopted the district’s 2026 operating budget of about $91.4 million, certified the 2025 mill levy to be collected in 2026 at 12.25 mills, approved 2026 fee schedules and approved an amendment to the Highlands Ranch Water and Wastewater Agreement that will raise typical single-family water bills by roughly 8.13%.
Director of Finance and Administration Tiffany Hooten presented the budget and related resolutions, telling the board staff had adjusted revenue and expenditure lines after final property tax assessments and internal budget reviews. The board approved the annual GASB Statement No. 54 fund balance designations and a fee schedule package that includes an approximate $5.04 annual stormwater fee increase for a single-family home.
As part of budget housekeeping, the board also approved a 2025 budget amendment that reclassifies county treasurer fees of roughly $381,000 as expenditures rather than netting them against revenue; after identified salary and other savings, the net increase requested to the General Operations Fund appropriation was $167,696.
The board approved an amendment to the Highlands Ranch Water and Wastewater Agreement that incorporates updated 2026 water and wastewater rates. Staff described the change as an overall roughly 7% rate increase plus a $2.25 monthly infrastructure improvement fee, producing an approximate 8.13% impact for a typical single-family residence. The amendment also updates backflow prevention program language to allow on-site replacement of failed commercial devices with costs borne by property owners and renames certain references from Centennial to Highlands Ranch Water.
The board approved the suite of finance-related measures by unanimous votes. Resolutions related to the budget and fees were accompanied by discussion of relatively minor revenue adjustments — including a roughly $27,600 downward revision to property-tax revenue after assessment appeals — and staff said capital projects will continue to be brought to the board for separate approvals.
Other financial items approved on consent included renewal of audit services with Forvis Mazars for an estimated total cost of about $46,500 (base audit $40,595 plus $6,300 for a new financial system), final payments and retainage releases for construction projects, and a three-year lease with Mile High Performance Tennis for Lebsack Tennis Center operations with year-one payment terms of 24% of gross revenue or $30,000, whichever is greater.
The board’s approvals take effect as recorded in district resolutions; staff said they will continue to present capital and repair projects to the Board on a case-by-case basis.
