Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. CCOB understands an increase in rates can be a challenge for some households and has implemented the Utility Fund Assistance Program to help those who are eligible. Visit the Utility Rate Assistance Fund web page for the details.

The enterprise funds are facing higher operating costs, growing deferred maintenance, costly capital projects related to new regulations, and meeting proper service levels for Broomfield’s current population and future growth. Many of these costs are critical to continued operations and increasing rates for 2025 will help meet these obligations.

The current base fees have not kept pace with the costs of service and maintenance because the amount of developer fees was covering what was needed. With the unforeseen circumstances all occurring within recent years (recovery from the pandemic, unprecedented inflation, a record number of federal and state unfunded mandates, costs for maintenance and service skyrocketing and double-digit growth) and the slowing of new development in Broomfield, that cost now must to be passed on to the consumer, as is required by law for an enterprise fund, in order to keep our infrastructure systems safe and healthy. Outlined below are cost increases and comparisons:

Utility Infrastructure Pipelines Maintenance Cost Comparison:

• Pre-planned maintenance costs are $500 per linear foot compared to 
• Emergency maintenance cost is $1,443 per linear foot 

Wastewater Treatment Cost Impacts:

• Chemicals costs have increased 427.4% since 2020 ($265,435 to $1,400,000) 
• Electrical cost have increased 85.67% since 2020 ($480,634 to $688,584)
• Natural Gas costs have increased 75% since 2020 

Water Treatment Cost Impacts:

• Chemicals costs have increased 161% since 2020 ($500,953 to $1,305,790) 
• Electrical cost have increased 11.28% since 2020 ($562,552 to $626,011)
• Denver Water Contract has increased 16.99% since 2020 ($6,512,502 to $7,984,000)

An enterprise fund, in this case for Broomfield utilities, is one that must operate as a “stand-alone business” and generate the revenues necessary to provide services. The revenue components include base fees, user charges and license fees. By law, enterprise funds cannot be supported by tax revenues but rather by these service charges and fees.

The organization is shifting the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) toward a higher percentage of asset maintenance. Previously Broomfield was at 75% of the CIP budget focused on new infrastructure and 25% on repair, rehabilitation and replacement. This philosophical shift resulted in a CIP budget that included 55% on new capital and 45% on repair, rehabilitation and replacement in 2023. Broomfield will continue to monitor this effort through the yearly consideration of capital improvement program budgets. Furthermore, Broomfield will be continuing to evaluate the enterprise funds annually.

A Broomfield resident’s average monthly utility bill (includes water, sewer and stormwater) is currently the lowest of neighboring, comparable communities (see graph). This graph also shows that  Broomfield’s proposed rates would still not be among the highest average monthly bill of neighboring, comparable communities.

It is also important to note that this graph may be outdated soon as many surrounding municipalities indicate additional increases to utility rates are imminent. The degree to which neighboring municipalities increase their utility rates depends highly on factors unique to each entity. Increases communicated to Broomfield staff are expected to be in the double digits for many municipalities. If neighboring municipalities increase by 6% or more, Broomfield will again be in the lower half.

Using “50% increase” generally is misleading. This is not a 50% increase of your water bill from 2023 to 2024. The increase being considered includes all enterprise funds of water, sewer and stormwater. This is based on the proposed rate increases for an average home utilizing 9,000 gallons for water and 6,000 gallons for sewer. And of the $40 overall rate increase, $11 is specific to establishing a  stormwater fund, which has never been charged before. The Broomfield ratepayer would see their average monthly bill increase from $80.05 to $119.90. Staff will be available at the Utility Workshops to help residents understand the impact to their utility bill.

Below is an overview of each enterprise fund, including proposed increases related to each fund and a proposal for adding a dedicated funding mechanism for a stormwater enterprise fund.

The projected average monthly bill for 2025 has increased from prior year projections to ensure adequate funding for ongoing operating costs, necessary capital projects, and repair and replacement. These rates are subject to change.

Increasing the base fee creates a steady and non variable revenue source to support fixed operating costs such as staffing, electricity, preventative maintenance and addressing current regulatory mandates for the system.

Broomfield has done a great job in assuring water for the future. We need to be able to hold the water, treat the water and deliver the water. Without the fee increase, the water tanks will not be able to be constructed. That means that there will be a loss of water pressure to residences in Broomfield. And without the water tanks, there is no assurance of water for the community, which impacts the fire department and inhibits our ability for wildfire protection. Over time, your water pressure will decrease and deferred maintenance will start to result in more frequent emergency repair work that ultimately costs more and creates more impact on Broomfield residents and businesses. Staff will continue to recommend that fees increase. 

Multi-family (apartments, duplexes, townhomes) are on the same rate schedule as single family homes for the base rate and the usage tiers. The proposal is for the base charge for all residents (single family, apartments, duplexes, townhomes) with a 3/4-inch tap to increase from $16.93 to $36.91. This is reflective of the cost to bring water to the home.

Average monthly bills are typically lower for multi-family residents since usage is typically lower.  The following table shows an example of how the potential utility fee increase would impact an average monthly bill for a condo/apartment.

Below is an overview of each enterprise fund, including proposed increases related to each fund and a proposal for adding a dedicated funding mechanism for a stormwater enterprise fund.