BROOMFIELD HAD KEPT RATES VERY LOW FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES. 

Recommended increases were either not adopted or pared down whole relying on growth to cover increasing operational costs. When you kick the ball down the road, you eventually hit the proverbial wall. Hello, Wall.

WHEN YOU GROW, YOU NEED MORE INFRASTRUCTURE. 

Expansion of the water treatment plant (ongoing), more storage tanks to ensure adequate pressure and service (coming) and more water (Broomfield has invested in a new reservoir under construction near Berthoud that will provide adequate water supply at maximum build out) are very expensive and must be financed.

TOO LOW RATES MEANS TOO LOW RESERVES. 

Failure to keep rates aligned to costs has left Broomfield without adequate reserves to finance the growth-induced capital infrastructure projects, so we must catch up. This was a bitter pill but guarantees good water service.

PAY MORE NOW OR MUCH MORE LATER. 

The rate increases were far steeper than hoped but further rate suppression would have delayed projects and increased overall project costs down the road. No good choices. (Note: we cannot use general funds to backfill water operations).

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HELP IS AVAILABLE. 

Council created a relief fund to assist those who can least afford the increases immediately.

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WE ARE NOT ALONE. 

With climate change (notably hotter, drier summers) and a higher population, everyone on the Front Range should expect continued water rate increases in years ahead. This is why Council has been emphasizing sustainability measures to reduce our use.

A SILVER LINING. 

Broomfield has traditionally ranked last in the Front Range for two things: Lowest per capita crime rate – and water rates. While we remain very safe, water rates remain low compared to many other communities that are paying more for water. (See chart).