Citizens water advisory commission backs modest rate and fee increases to sustain system upgrades

Janet Marlo, chair of the Citizens Water Advisory Commission, presented the commission's recommendations after three budget-focused meetings. The commission said material, treatment and regulatory costs are driving a need for steady, predictable revenue increases to maintain a viable water, sewer and storm system.

The commission recommended a 3% increase in water revenue overall, with average residential rates rising about 3%; irrigation accounts were proposed to increase by about 8% and commercial rates by about 7% because those classes place different demands on the system. The commission also supported a $1 monthly stormwater increase to fund system upgrades and recommended increases to development (tap) fees to better align new-connection costs with the actual cost of expanding the system.

Marlo highlighted that Metro Water Recovery's infrastructure work and staffing needs are increasing charges to Aurora and that lead-replacement and other regulatory-driven programs (including granular activated carbon replacement) are adding multi-year costs. Staff and the commission said spreading moderate annual increases is preferable to deferring maintenance and creating much larger increases later.

Councilmembers underscored the need for an active public communication strategy so rate payers understand why increases are necessary and how funds will be used. Council discussion also touched on equity across neighborhoods, the distributional effects of tiered rates and the timing of multi-year projects such as Wild Horse Reservoir and Prairie Waters expansions.

The commission's recommendation will inform staff's proposed rate ordinances and final budget decisions as the council moves toward formal action in October and November.