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Broomfield Finance projects 7% water rate increase in 2027; sewer fund may be tapped to limit bonding
Summary
Finance staff told the FLOW Committee the rate model currently projects a 7% water rate increase in 2027; Water Fund and Sewer Fund balances were presented and staff said they plan to use part of the Sewer Fund to cash-fund Phase 2 of the Water Recovery Facility expansion to reduce bond needs.
Graham Clark and Byron Ward of the City and County of Broomfield Finance team updated the FLOW Committee on enterprise budgeting and rate-setting and said the rate model currently projects a 7% water rate increase in 2027.
Clark and Ward explained the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is the largest variable affecting rates; Finance projects the Water Fund will end 2030 with a $7.6 million fund balance while the Sewer Fund is projected to have $70.2 million by 2030. Staff said Finance intends to use a portion of the higher projected Sewer Fund balance to cash-fund part of Phase 2 of the Water Recovery Facility expansion, reducing the need for bonding and associated debt service.
Staff cautioned that developer-driven license/tap fees and usage fees create revenue volatility that could affect future rates and asked the FLOW Committee for guidance and confirmation at the June meeting. Finance plans to present formal rate recommendations to City and County Council on July 21, 2026.
No formal rate action was taken at the April 2 meeting; the committee discussion will feed into Finance's June work and the July Council presentation.
