Why can’t the district just raise the mill levy and then do away with the annual sewer charge?
In 1992 the voters in Colorado approved a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). This amendment restricts what governments can charge their constituents. The District has strict guidelines to follow when calculating the mill levy assessed to customers and payable through property taxes. Since the amount we can collect through property taxes is limited, the District had to adopt an annual sewer charge in order to cover the costs to the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District and for maintaining our service lines.
Can the District bill twice a year (or more) instead of one time to spread out the payment?
If we adopt a more frequent billing schedule, that would increase costs to the District. If a customer needs to have an alternative payment schedule, please contact us and we are happy to work with those customers on a case by case basis.
“The fees are too high.” Why is the District charging us so much?
Each November the District prepares a budget for the following year. Depending on what the obligations are for the upcoming year, the District must be sure to cover those obligations which include e.g., the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District service charge, annual operations and maintenance, and capital improvements. Special care is given to assure that the budgeted expenditures are necessary. Please check out the following website to view the District’s budget and other important information about the District.
https://dola.colorado.gov/dlg_portal/filings.jsf?id=30002
In the future, can the District implement smaller increases more frequently so we don’t have to have a big increase every few years?
This question was presented to the Board and there was a rate analysis conducted to address sustainable financial planning. More information will also be posted on the website as it becomes available. Also see answer to second question above.
How can I find out more information about the District? Budget? Capital Improvement Plan?
Please visit the following website to find out more about the District. Or email ASD@applewoodsan.org with any questions or concerns. You can also call us at 303-232-6883.
https://dola.colorado.gov/dlg_portal/filings.jsf?id=30002
The District charges a late fee after 30 days. Can you consider giving the customers 60 days to pay without a late fee?
This question was presented to the Board and the payment period was extended to 45 days without a late fee.
How are the commercial customers’ annual fees calculated? How does that differ from residential customers?
Residential customers are charged an annual flat rate for service. Commercial customers are charged based on their water usage the previous year. Their applicable water usage is divided by the industry standard for SFE (single family equivalent). That number is then multiplied by the current flat rate charged to residential customers.
How do our fees (both residential and commercial) differ from other Districts?
Districts within the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District system differ greatly on their fee structure. There is quite a variation in mill levy amounts – mostly higher than ASD’s. Most Districts charge an annual service charge and those amounts vary as well.
One must also look at the different District’s reserve amounts. Another variable to consider is that many Districts also provide water service to their customers. This seems to have a significant impact on those Districts fee structures.
There are a number of senior citizens in the District on fixed incomes. Can anything be done to help them?
In circumstances that involve hardship, we can work with customers on a case by case basis to work out a payment schedule that is amenable to all parties.
Can you give us more notice if there is going to be a fee increase?
ASD prepares the following year’s budget in November of the current year. Fee increases are discussed at that time. The annual service charge invoices are sent in February of each year and are payable upon receipt. If there is a fee increase, customers will be notified prior to the invoice date.
The rate analysis that is underway should allow the Board to better predict the need and timing of rate increases, and we can provide that information to the community. Some of the numbers in the rate analysis are estimates which change every year, such as the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District’s fees.
The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to be fiscally responsible to the community it serves. To delay an increase could result in a shortage of repair funds within a few years should a large-scale emergency or repair project be required.
What are the District boundaries? Are the new apartments at the top of Eldridge part of the District? How do you handle new developments (i.e. Cabela’s land)?
Please click here to view the District Boundary Map.
Or visit the following web site to see the District’s boundaries: https://demography.dola.colorado.gov/CO_SpecialDistrict/
The apartments at the top of Eldridge are not within the District and had no financial or other impact on our District.
Any future development within the District’s boundary pay any and all costs associated with connection to the District’s service line. Then they are charged an annual service charge and pay an amount through their property tax in the form of a mill levy same as existing customers.
FAQs based on questions and comments from the November 2016 letter to customers.
Dated May 23, 2017
Note, these will continue to be updated as new questions are received.