In order to ensure that Westminster continues to have high-quality streets, approximately $10 million is needed annually to maintain and preserve the current condition of the city’s roadways. On average, Westminster budgets approximately $4.9 million per year on roadway maintenance and rehabilitation. This data-driven assessment was developed by the City’s pavement management system which assesses and monitors 1,135 lane miles of Westminster roadways.
As a part of the 2022 fiscal year budget engagement process, Westminster City Council will be considering a change to the monthly fee for roadway improvements to address this funding gap and would like feedback from potentially impacted property owners. Under the current proposed 2022 fiscal year budget, properties will be charged a $6 monthly Roadway Improvement Fee for each unit or dwelling beginning January 1, 2022. Currently, property owners are charged $6 per month based on the number of water meters serving the property.
This proposed update to the fee structure will ensure a more equitable source of funding for critical roadway improvement projects and brings your property into alignment with how single family and townhomes are charged.
While this fee will appear on your property’s water bill, every dollar will be used to fund roadway maintenance and improvement projects such as repaving roads, updating streetlights, and other essential infrastructure work. Water infrastructure maintenance will continue to be funded by your property’s water consumption fees.
If you wish to offer feedback, City Council is welcoming community input during the September 13 council meeting. You can also give us your thoughts by emailing RoadwayImprovement@westminsterco.gov.
INFRASTRUCTURE FEE FACTS
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Established in 2006 to defray the City’s costs for curb, gutter and sidewalk replacement and the City’s street lighting costs.
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The current fee is $6 per month and is charged to Westminster residents as part of their monthly utility bill.
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The fee generates approximately $2.2 million annually, of which $1.45 million goes to street light energy and repair costs and approximately $750,000 goes towards concrete replacement costs.
CURRENT CHALLENGES & INEQUITIES
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The $6 monthly fee is charged to every utility account, regardless of their occupancy, orientation or use. As an example, a single-family home would pay $6 per month on their utility bill. A residential apartment complex that has 1 utility account and 20 residential units, would also pay $6 per month.
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Just as with the multi-family example, a retail or industrial complex with a 20,000 square foot building and only 1 utility account would also pay $6 per month.
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The $6 fee was established in 2014 and has not been adjusted to account for inflation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Denver Metropolitan area shows inflation increased approximately 14.5% between 2014 and 2020. This increase in inflation has resulted in higher concrete and street lighting costs and no additional revenues generated from the Infrastructure Fee.