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FLOW committee recommends 7% utility rate increase for 2027, sends recommendation to City Council
Summary
The FLOW Advisory Committee unanimously recommended that City Council adopt a 7% increase to water, sewer, reuse and stormwater rates for 2027; staff said the change aligns with the city's multi‑year financial plan and would add about $9.31 per month for a typical single‑family household. The recommendation will be included in a July 21 report to Council.
The FLOW Advisory Committee voted unanimously June 4 to recommend that the City and County of Broomfield adopt a 7% increase to water, sewer, reuse and stormwater rates for 2027. Sam Taylor made the motion, which was seconded by Gary Klaphake and approved by all members present.
Graham Clark, the city’s director of finance, said the proposed 7% annual utility rate increase "remains consistent with the city’s multi‑year financial plan" and that for a typical single‑family household the change would add about $9.31 per month across utility services. Clark reviewed that the residential tiered rate structure adopted in 2022 and subsequent adjustments in 2024–25 were intended to stabilize revenue, reduce reliance on development fees, and support infrastructure investment.
Committee members cited the need to maintain reserves and avoid deferred maintenance. Updated projections presented by staff showed water and wastewater funds meeting or exceeding the 180‑day operating cash benchmark through 2032, while stormwater reserves may fall below that standard later in the forecast, prompting discussion of options including project timing changes, interfund loans, or future rate adjustments.
The committee agreed to forward a concise two‑ to three‑page recommendation and a short presentation to City Council for the July 21 meeting. The recommendation packet will document the data reviewed, key considerations (infrastructure needs, reserve levels, regulatory uncertainty), and the committee’s rationale for supporting proactive investment rather than deferring maintenance.
