The District's Ten-Year Master Plan included over $20 million in capital projects, and the independent consulting firm recommended a 12% annual water user fee increase to fund the Master Plan. The SRWD Board adopted the financial plan, and it subsequently was included in the bond offering. The following is the resolution passed by the Board of Directors at the November meeting.
RESOLUTION #7-2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE SNAKE RIVER WATER DISTRICT CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED USER FEE INCREASE TO EXISTING USER RATES AS REFLECTED IN THE DISTRICT RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND MODIFYING APPENDIX B OF SAID RULES AND REGULATIONS ACCORDINGLY
WHEREAS, the Snake River Water District (the “District”) was formed pursuant to §§ 32-1-101, et seq., C.R.S., as amended (the “Special District Act”), by order of the District Court for Summit County, Colorado, and after approval of the District’s eligible electors at an election; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 32-1-1001(1)(h), C.R.S., the Board of Directors of the District (the “Board”) shall have the management, control and supervision of all the business and affairs of the District; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined it to be in the best interests of the District, and the property owners, taxpayers, and residents of the District, to acquire, construct, operate and maintain certain amenities and facilities benefitting property and inhabitants within the District, which amenities and facilities generally include water storage, treatment and delivery improvements, facilities, appurtenances and rights-of-way (collectively, the “Facilities”); and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined it to be in the best interests of the District, and the property owners, taxpayers, and residents of the District, to provide certain potable water services to property and inhabitants within and without the boundaries of the District (collectively, the “Services”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to § 32-1-1001(1)(j)(I), C.R.S., the District is authorized to fix and impose fees, rates, tolls, penalties and charges for services or facilities furnished by the District which, until such fees, rates, tolls, penalties and charges are paid, shall constitute a perpetual lien on and against the property served; and
WHEREAS, the District has conducted a comprehensive master planning study which determined that the District will be burdened with significant capital improvement costs over the next 10 years; and further indicated that the District’s existing revenues are insufficient to fully fund the planned infrastructure improvements and maintenance while maintaining a prudent reserve and funding the District’s operating expenses; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors scheduled a hearing on a rate increase on November 12, 2024, and noticed the same accordingly, considered all presented evidence and testimony, and after proper deliberation, they determined it is necessary and appropriate to implement a rate increase as proposed; and
WHEREAS, as a follow up to said Rate Increase, the District Administrator has proposed a new rate schedule, reflecting prior user rates applied, and the new rates to be applied. Said schedule is attached to this resolution as Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the Board does hereby resolve that such new rate schedule, as proposed and attached hereto, shall be adopted effective immediately, and further that Appendix B of the District Rules and Regulations shall be updated immediately to implement the new rate schedule as reflected in Exhibit A to this Resolution accordingly.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Directors of the Snake River Water District, Summit County, Colorado as follows:
1. Effective upon adoption and execution of this resolution, the Snake River Water District shall adopt the Full Rate Schedule for water service fees attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein as if referenced in full.
2. The adoption of the subject Rate Schedule is necessary and appropriate in order to fund the continued provision of quality water service to the constituents and visitors of the district, and in the interests of the public health, safety and welfare.
3. The rates and fees set forth in the Rate Schedule shall be implemented into Appendix B of the District Rules and Regulations as set forth herein, and shall be effective immediately in accordance with such modified Appendix B.
ADOPTED this 12th day of November, 2024.
Signatures on File
EXHIBIT A
SRWD WATER FEE INCREASE – JANUARY 1, 2025
Water Rates will increase by 12% across the board, beginning with the January 1, 2025, billing.
Water Service Fee: Currently $91.32 per EQR/Qtr. Will be $102.28 per EQR/Qtr.
(minimum charge)
Water Usage Fee: Per thousand gallons Over 15,000 gallons per EQR/Qtr.
Currently, $4.35. Will be, $4.87.
Per thousand gallons Over 35,000 gallons per quarter:
Currently, $5.62. Will be, $6.29
Irrigation Use: Currently, $5.62 per thousand gallons, per quarter.
Will be, $6.29 per thousand gallons, per quarter.
Temporary Water Use:
In-District: Currently, $5.62 per thousand gallons.
Will be, $6.29 per thousand gallons.
Out-of-District: Rate of 150% of the in-District rate.
• Currently, $8.43 per thousand gallons.
• Will be, $9.44 per thousand gallons.
Fire Protection Only:
In-District: Currently, $29.50 per quarter per EQR assessed.
Will be, $33.04 per quarter per EQR assessed.
Out-of-District: Currently, $44.25 per quarter per EQR assessed.
Will be, $49.56 per quarter per EQR assessed.