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1. Is the Town looking into grant funding for the needed Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Expansions?

Yes, Town staff are actively pursuing every available option at both the state and federal level.  Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse have committed to provide letters of support for future grant opportunities.

2. If voters approve, can sales tax from Marijuana be used for the water fund?

The ballot initiative created through the citizens' initiative process outlined the use of potential tax. “Sec. 15-40 Purpose of tax. The Board of Trustees hereby declares that the purpose of the levy of the Retail Marijuana Sales Tax imposed by this Article is for raising funds for the construction of a new community or recreation center, and/or other general operating expenses as may be designated instead by the Town on an annual basis.”

3. What is a sinking fund and is it necessary?

A sinking fund is an account where money that is received prior to a payment is set aside to make future loan payments or retire debt.  We are proposing a sinking fund so that the loan is paid off before another plant is needed.  The goal is to avoid stacking debt.

4. What is an enterprise fund?

An Enterprise Fund supports expenses through the revenues generated by providing the service, like a private business enterprise. The cost of providing water and sewer services to utility customers is recovered or financed through charges to the users of these services. Although this fund operates like a private business enterprise, there is one key difference - it does not generate any profits. All revenue received goes to pay expenses. Balances in any account are utilized to meet current or future financial requirements.

5. Is the Town going to slow growth to accommodate for the water and wastewater capacity challenge?

Not anymore!  The Town recently completed major expansions at both the water and wastewater treatment plants.  Due to the expanded capacity provided by those expansions, there are no longer utility concerns related to serving new development.  Additionally, new growth spreads the burden of the costs associated with the plant expansions to more customers, lessening the cost for current individual customers.  

 

6. What is an impact fee and how does it work?

An impact fee is a one-time payment imposed by the Town on a property developer. The fee is meant to offset the financial impact a new development places on public infrastructure. Public infrastructure includes roads, schools, parks, recreational facilities, water and sewerage, among other services.

7. Why do we need an expansion at the Wastewater Treatment Plant?

The wastewater treatment plant is currently at its built-out point, meaning it has lasted as long as it was supposed to last. The expansion is needed to meet compliance for current residents while also planning for future growth. New regulations imposed by the State of Colorado cannot be met with the capability of our current plant leading to needed improvements to continue operation for both current and future members of the Wellington community.  

8. If growth was just stopped, would we need a wastewater plant expansion?

We would still need an expansion. The regulations set by State and Federal regulatory agencies are becoming more stringent and our current plant cannot treat wastewater to the upcoming standards. The project would look slightly different if future growth were to stop completely. However, rates would increase even further for current residents if growth were to end completely because impact review would drop to zero.