Queenstown commissioners introduce FY27 budget and ordinances that include a 32% water and sewer rate increase

The Queenstown Commissioners on June 8, 2026, voted 2-0 to introduce a proposed fiscal-year 2027 general budget and two related ordinances, including one that would raise monthly water and sewer consumption rates by 32% for one year beginning July 1, 2026. A public hearing on the measures is scheduled for June 24 at 6 p.m.

The introduced Ordinance 26-01 would adopt the town's FY27 general budget for the period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and establish a real property tax rate of $0.2312 per $100 of assessed value; a tax rate of $0.58 per $100 for commercial or business personal property; and a tax rate of $2.75 per $100 of assessed public utilities. The same ordinance includes an enterprise budget for the town's water and sewer operations that incorporates a proposed 32% increase to monthly water and sewer consumption rates.

Ordinance 26-02, introduced separately, would amend the town's water and sewer charges to increase the monthly water consumption rate and sewer consumption rate by 32% for one year commencing July 1, 2026, and ending July 1, 2027.

Commissioner Bryon Callahan moved to accept the draft budgets as presented and to introduce the ordinances; Commissioner Jim Watzin seconded both motions. The record shows both votes as 2 ayes, 0 noes. The work session was called to order at 10:05 a.m. and was recorded as adjourning at 12:39 p.m. Aaron Homey, town clerk, submitted the minutes.

The scheduled June 24 public hearing will be the next formal opportunity for public comment and for commissioners to take further action on the ordinances and the FY27 budget. No further details on specific rate schedules beyond the stated percentage increase were provided in the meeting record.