If you live in Greeley, your montly water bill could go up in 2021

By Kelly Ragan

In 2021, you could see a higher water bill. 

At a city council meeting Tuesday, Sean Chambers, Greeley’s Water and Sewer Director, proposed an increase in rates to the tune of 6% for overall water and 10% for overall sewer rates. 

Where would the money go?

At the meeting Tuesday, Chambers said the additional funding would go toward hiring more staff, especially those focused on water quality.

The water department also needs to replace a conservation vehicle. That will be important, Chambers said, as we appear to be going into a drought cycle. 

Thanks to a major upgrade to the Bellvue Water Treatment plant and the increased capacity that came from it, there have been additional water treatment costs, Chambers said, in addition to tightening regulations. 

As for the sewer operating budget, there have been increased costs for maintenance, chemicals, etc., Chambers said. 

The city’s entire water operating budget is funded by water rates. In 2021, that proposed budget comes in at about $18.8 million. 

What does that mean for you? 

We’ll talk average monthly bills in a moment, but it’s important to note that Chambers calculated them assuming a water budget based on a three-person household on an average-sized residential lot. 

According to documents provided by the city, the average bill for water sits around $65.38, while the average sewer bill comes in at $21.31, for a total of $86.69. 

If the city approves the rates as presented, an average residential monthly bill could look like $68.07 for water and $23.24 for sewer, for a total of $91.31. 

That’s an increase of about $4.62 a month on average. 

Stormwater rates could increase, too

Joel Hemesath, Director of Public Works, also recommended an 8% increase to stormwater rates.

“That 8% would generate 76 cents of a monthly increase for a single-family residence,” Hemesath said. 

The increase would generate about $519,000 for the department for a variety of capital projects and general improvements. Your rates pay for projects that help prevent flooding from water created from rain and snow through detention ponds and drainage projects. 

As it stands, the average single-family residence pays about $9.53 in stormwater fees on a monthly utility bill. That increase would bump the total up to $10.29 per month. 

Public hearing 

There will be a public hearing on the city’s 2021 budget on Oct. 6. For more information on how to participate, go to https://greeleygov.com/government/council.