HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20241021AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
October 21, 2024
4:00 PM, City Council Chambers
427 Rio Grande Place, Aspen
I.Work Session
I.A Budget Presentation: APCHA Managed Housing, Wheeler, Red Brick Arts,
Environmental Health, Climate Action, REMP, Water and Electric Utilities, Parking,
Transportation, Stormwater
I.B Utilities Budget Work Session - 2025 Electric and Water Utility Proposed Rates,
Fees, and Updates
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FY25 Budget Work Session 10.21.2024 slides final.pdf
Council Memo - October 2025 Budget Worksession - FINAL.docx
Exhibit A - Ordinance #20 Series of 2024 - Title 25 Updates - October Worksession_
FINAL.docx
1
1
2025 Proposed Budget
October 21, 2024
2
2
OCTOBER 14th WORK SESSION RECAP
Questions?
•Housing Development
•Police
•Streets
•Parks
•Golf, Recreation, and Special Events
3
Council Discussion Items from 10/14
Lumberyard Affordable Housing Project
o Council may wish to further discuss development partner
involvement in phase zero
o Currently, 2025 budget assumed City leading this phase
Parks & Open Space - Bike Skills Trail Project
o Council discussion reflected support for a bike skills project, but
where it is to be located remains undetermined.
o Currently, 2025 budget assumes City leads this project with the
proposed location at the Marolt property.
4
Staff Action Items from 10/8 & 10/14
Parks/Rec - ARC 2026 Closure for major capital work
o Look for ways to minimize impacts from potential closure
Subsidies across City of Aspen
o Council interested in follow up on where City subsidizes and review
of City vs RFV (originated from golf membership discussion)
Aspen Country Inn & Truscott II
o Staff to research possible sale of these tax credit properties- is this
an option for future consideration
5
5
TONIGHT’S BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
Department Presentations
o APCHA and Smuggler
o Arts and Culture Fund; Wheeler Opera House
& Red Brick Arts
o Environmental Health & Sustainability,
Climate Action, and REMP Fund
o Water & Electric Utilities
Budget Presented by Finance
o Housing Funds, Parking and Transportation,
and Stormwater
6
FY25 Budget Report
Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority – 620 Fund
Matthew Gillen | Executive Director October 21, 2024
7
Mission:
APCHA supports affordable workforce housing for a sustainable
community and a prosperous economy. We accomplish our mission
through equitable policies, accountable management, and innovative
development to meet the changing needs of APCHA residents and the
community. We effectively communicate and partner with the community.7
Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority
8
APCHA REVENUES
8
Current Subsidy
71%
Unallocated
Revenues
11%
Property / Facility
Maintenance
4%
Management
Fees
14%
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Opening Balance $322,751 $478,951 $432,481 $445,181 $462,261
City - Subsidy (50% share) $1,408,870 $1,104,950 $1,171,750 $1,227,800 $1,280,600
County - Subsidy (50% share) $1,408,870 $1,104,950 $1,171,750 $1,227,800 $1,280,600
Unallocated Revenues $441,700 $455,010 $462,980 $472,310 $481,930
Facilities Maintenance $177,910 $185,520 $193,530 $201,960 $210,830
Management Fees $551,900 $562,930 $574,180 $585,670 $597,380
Revenues In $3,989,250 $3,413,360 $3,574,190 $3,715,540 $3,851,340
Other Revenues $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Revenues $3,989,250 $3,413,360 $3,574,190 $3,715,540 $3,851,340
9
APCHA EXPENDITURES
9
Administrative
50%
Property /
Facilities
Maintenance
18%
Housing Sales &
Rental Services
32%
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Administrative $1,837,210 $1,905,110 $1,945,320 $2,018,160 $2,087,100
Facilities Maintenance $677,910 $290,520 $303,530 $316,960 $330,830
Housing Sales & Rental $1,217,930 $1,264,200 $1,312,640 $1,363,340 $1,416,420
Operating $3,733,050 $3,459,830 $3,561,490 $3,698,460 $3,834,350
Capital $100,000 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Uses $3,833,050 $3,459,830 $3,561,490 $3,698,460 $3,834,350
Targeted Reserve (12.5%)$479,131 $432,479 $445,186 $462,308 $479,294
Ending Fund Balance $478,951 $432,481 $445,181 $462,261 $479,251
% of Targeted Reserve 100%100%100%100%100%
Change in Fund Balance $156,200 ($46,470)$12,700 $17,080 $16,990
10
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST
10
Request for Essential Home Repairs Program - $400,000 one-time
•Year 2 of pilot program providing APCHA homeowner grants for
critical home repairs
o Highly successful program for lower income residents
o $200,000 from City and County
o Sustainability of housing stock
11
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST
11
Request for an additional 1.0 FTE $127,390
•Requesting full-time Housing Policy Analyst II position
o Need for focus on policy and data analysis to ensure
sustainability of the program
o APCHA currently supported by City of Aspen Housing Policy
Analyst (60%)
o Pilot program implementation role
12
2025 Major Capital Projects
12
Appropriations by Year
$0Prior Years
$1,326,0002025
$0Out Years
$1,326,000Lifetime Budget
Multi-Fund Project – Asphalt Overlay For All APCHA Properties
•Asphalt Parking Lots In Disrepair, Cracking, Alligatoring And With Potholes
•Asphalt Mill And Overlay, 16,557 Square Yards (s.y.) $72/s.y. plus 10% contingency.
•New 3” Asphalt Overlay in 2025.
•Seal, Flood Coat and Re-Stripping, 525 s.y. plus 10% contingency – Smuggler only.
Task Level Budget
$371,000Truscott Phase I – 4,667/s.y.
$371,000Truscott Phase II – 4,667/s.y.
$257,000Marolt Ranch – 3223/s.y.
$317,000Aspen Country Inn – 4,000/s.y.
$10,000Smuggler – 525/s.y. Seal and Flood Coat
13
2025 Capital APCHA
13
2025
$100,000APCHA Website Redesign
•APCHA Website Redesign
o Provide an improved customer experience
o Easier access
o Updated look and feel
o Enhanced mobile device compatibility
o Meet current digital ADA and accessibility standards
14
SMUGGLER FINANCIALS
14
Administrative
8%
Property /
Facilities
Maintenance
33%
Sales & Rental
Services
6%
Capital
53%
Total Uses20252026202720282029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Opening Balance $480,505 $400,635 $383,315 $307,975 $290,495
Rental Income $83,400 $85,070 $86,770 $88,510 $90,280
Late Rent Fees $100 $100 $100 $100 $100
Investment Income $7,000 $8,010 $7,670 $6,160 $5,810
Revenues In $90,500 $93,180 $94,540 $94,770 $96,190
Total Revenues $90,500 $93,180 $94,540 $94,770 $96,190
Administrative $14,450 $14,850 $15,350 $15,850 $16,360
Facilities Maintenance $55,100 $56,630 $58,210 $59,870 $61,590
Housing Sales & Rental $10,020 $10,220 $10,420 $10,630 $10,850
Operating $81,370 $83,500 $85,880 $88,250 $90,800
Capital $89,000 $27,000 $84,000 $24,000 $24,000
Total Uses $170,370 $110,500 $169,880 $112,250 $114,800
Target Reserve (12.5%)$21,296 $13,813 $21,235 $14,031 $14,350
Ending Fund Balance $400,635 $383,315 $307,975 $290,495 $271,885
% of Target 1,881% 2,775% 1,450% 2,070% 1,895%
15
2025 Capital
15
2025Capital Projects
$40,00051832 – Smuggler – Paint Exterior
2025Capital Maintenance
$5,00040189 – Smuggler - Appliance And Window Replacement
$2,00040190 – Smuggler – Interior Maintenance
$2,00040191 – Smuggler – Exterior Maintenance
$9,00040192 – Smuggler – Rewiring And Electrical Panel Replacement
$6,00040193 – Smuggler – Turnover Expenses
$10,00040194 – Smuggler – Asphalt Reseal & Paint
$15,00040195 – Smuggler – Exterior Wood Refinishing
16
16
APCHA BUDGET SUMMARY
Questions?
Supplementals:
$127,390 +1.0 FTE Housing Policy
Analyst II
$400,000 Essential Home Repair
Program
Capital:
APCHA $100,000
Truscott II $518,500
Smuggler $89,000
ACI $366,000
17
FY25 Budget Report
Arts & Culture – 120 Fund
Sarah Roy – Executive Director, Red Brick Center for the Arts
Mike Harrington – Executive Director, Wheeler Opera House October 21, 2024
18
ARTS & CULTURE FUND FINANCIALS
18
Real Estate
Transfer Tax
71%
Wheeler
9%
Red Brick Arts
5%
Other Rev
15%
Revenues
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Opening Balance $49,003,306 $49,830,136 $49,912,536 $48,617,253 $49,082,322
Arts & Culture RETT $7,100,000 $7,455,000 $7,827,750 $8,219,140 $8,630,100
Investment Income $1,461,300 $996,600 $998,250 $972,350 $981,650
Other Revenues $1,000 $1,020 $1,040 $1,060 $1,080
Wheeler Revenues $954,160 $999,750 $1,019,740 $1,040,130 $1,060,930
Red Brick Center of the Arts $456,500 $465,630 $474,950 $484,440 $494,130
Total Arts & Culture Revenues $9,972,960 $9,918,000 $10,321,730 $10,717,120 $11,167,890
Wheeler Administration $992,778 $1,016,930 $1,047,420 $1,079,040 $1,111,960
Wheeler Productions $3,128,077 $3,228,970 $3,333,980 $3,443,290 $3,557,170
Wheeler Facilities Maintenance $578,774 $595,580 $613,010 $631,100 $649,890
Red Brick Administration $486,571 $507,220 $531,520 $556,930 $583,480
Red Brick Aspen Public Art $410,600 $364,210 $373,024 $382,071 $391,343
Grants $1,278,610 $1,280,010 $1,281,480 $1,283,020 $1,284,640
Operating $7,276,330 $7,407,550 $7,609,344 $7,819,291 $8,037,913
Wheeler Capital $502,000 $912,400 $2,499,480 $666,300 $1,475,000
Red Brick Capital $135,000 $204,500 $195,000 $399,500 $56,000
Transfers Out $1,232,800 $1,311,150 $1,313,190 $1,366,960 $1,411,160
Total Uses $9,146,130 $9,835,600 $11,617,014 $10,252,051 $10,980,073
Targeted Reserve (100% of Uses) $9,146,130 $9,835,600 $11,617,014 $10,252,051 $10,980,073
Ending Fund Balance $49,830,136 $49,912,536 $48,617,253 $49,082,322 $49,270,139
Historical Wheeler Dedicated Balance $27,418,811 $22,176,351 $15,179,161 $9,833,631 $3,453,751
Wheeler, Arts & Culture - Expanded Use $22,411,325 $27,736,185 $33,438,092 $39,248,691 $45,816,388
19
FY25 Budget Report
Wheeler Opera House – 120.513 Fund
Mike Harrington – Executive Director October 21, 2024
20
20
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE
21
WHEELER REVENUES
21
Presented Events
49%
Rental Events
13%
Box Office
14%
Wheeler
Rental Spaces
24%2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Presented Events $464,920 $474,220 $483,700 $493,370 $503,240
Rental Events $129,173 $131,760 $134,390 $137,080 $139,820
Box Office $134,198 $163,380 $166,650 $169,990 $173,390
Wheeler Rental Spaces $225,869 $230,390 $235,000 $239,690 $244,480
Wheeler Revenues $954,160 $999,750 $1,019,740 $1,040,130 $1,060,930
22
WHEELER EXPENDITURES
22
Wheeler Admin.
21%
Presented
Events
42%
Rental Events
15%
Box Office
8%
Indirect
2%
Theatre Spaces
12%
Operating Budget
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Wheeler Administration $992,778 $1,016,930 $1,047,420 $1,079,040 $1,111,960
Presented Events $1,932,877 $1,988,920 $2,047,020 $2,107,270 $2,169,790
Rental Events $680,000 $708,100 $737,560 $768,470 $800,910
Box Office $382,860 $396,370 $410,490 $425,230 $440,650
Indirect Production Costs $132,340 $135,580 $138,910 $142,320 $145,820
Wheeler - Theatre Spaces $564,194 $580,710 $597,850 $615,640 $634,130
Wheeler - Rental Spaces $14,580 $14,870 $15,160 $15,460 $15,760
Wheeler Operating $4,699,629 $4,841,480 $4,994,410 $5,153,430 $5,319,020
Wheeler Capital $502,000 $912,400 $2,499,480 $666,300 $1,475,000
Wheeler Overhead Allocations $770,240 $835,320 $851,920 $848,500 $917,690
Other Wheeler Transfers $230,500 $236,000 $241,500 $247,000 $252,400
Total Wheeler Uses $6,202,369 $6,825,200 $8,587,310 $6,915,230 $7,964,110
23
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUESTS
23
Audio Engineer (1 FTE) $112,500 Ongoing
•Industry standard
•Will improve consistent delivery of top-tier sound quality for all concerts and
events, enhancing the overall experience for the community.
•Competition for qualified audio engineers is intensifying. Securing a
dedicated position is vital to attracting and retaining skilled professionals.
•Current approach of rotating part-time staff leads to inconsistent quality,
reduced accountability, and potential misuse of equipment.
24
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUESTS
24
Marketing Coordinator (1 FTE) $111,060 Ongoing
•Adding a second marketing staff position to bring all marketing
strategy in-house. Graphic design and paid digital advertising
will continue to be contracted.
•Current marketing structure includes a staff director position
working with an out-of-state based marketing & PR firm.
•Addition of this position will result in increased efficiencies and
provide opportunities to pursue, with agility, new marketing
strategies focused on connecting and collaborating locally.
25
2025 Capital Projects
25
Appropriations by Year
$0Prior Years
$250,0002025
$0Out Years
$250,000Lifetime Budget
51846 | Onstage Audio Reference Monitor Package
•Replacement of Onstage Performer-facing Monitor (loudspeaker) System
•Ensures Compatibility with Audience-facing Audio Reinforcement Equipment and Consoles
•Promotes Proper Maintenance and Longevity of Newly Purchased Equipment
•Maintains Venue As Best-In-Class
•2025: Anticipated Completion Date
Task Level Budget
$250,000Acquisitions
26
2025 Capital
26
2025Capital Projects
$20,00051838 | Exterior Lighting Enhancements
$20,00051839 | Auditorium Ceiling Faux Finish Repair &
Restoration 2025
$20,00051840 | Audio Equipment - Cables, Stands, Cases
$25,00051841 | Bldg. Improvements 2025
$25,00051842 | Production Improvements 2025
$50,00051843 | Administrative Offices Improvements
$54,50051844 | Wired Microphone Inventory Update
$15,00051845 | Stage Floor Resurfacing - Sand & Stain
2025Capital Maintenance
$2,50040045 | Core City Network - Wheeler
$20,00040046 | Site - Wheeler Opera House
27
27
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE SUMMARY
Questions?
Supplementals:
Audio Engineer +1.0
FTE, $112,500
Marketing Coordinator
+1.0 FTE, $111,060
Capital: $502,000
28
FY25 Budget Report
Red Brick Center for the Arts – 120.552 Fund
Sarah Roy – Executive Director
October 21, 2024
29
Mission:
The Red Brick Center for the Arts is a place to grow community
together through artistic expression, collaboration, and shared
experiences.29
RED BRICK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
30
Mission:
The Red Brick Center for the Arts is a place to grow community
together through artistic expression, collaboration, and shared
experiences.30
RED BRICK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
31
RED BRICK REVENUES
31
Admin. Revenues
11%
Rental
Revenues
89%
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Administration Revenues $48,000 $48,960 $49,940 $50,940 $51,960
Rental Revenues $408,500 $416,670 $425,010 $433,500 $442,170
Red Brick Center of the Arts $456,500 $465,630 $474,950 $484,440 $494,130
32
RED BRICK EXPENDITURES
32
Administration
37%
Facilities
Maint.
31%
Aspen Public Art
32%
Operating Budget
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Red Brick Administration $486,571 $507,220 $531,520 $556,930 $583,480
Red Brick Facilities Maintenance $400,920 $414,630 $428,910 $443,840 $459,430
Red Brick Aspen Public Art $410,600 $364,210 $373,024 $382,071 $391,343
Red Brick Operating $1,298,091 $1,286,060 $1,333,454 $1,382,841 $1,434,253
Red Brick Capital $135,000 $204,500 $195,000 $399,500 $56,000
Red Brick Overhead Allocations $164,060 $170,230 $148,470 $198,560 $166,570
Other Red Brick Transfers $68,000 $69,600 $71,300 $72,900 $74,500
Total Red Brick Uses $1,665,151 $1,730,390 $1,748,224 $2,053,801 $1,731,323
33
2025 PROPOSED FEE CHANGES
33
Arts Programming Fees
•3 % increase to keep-up with operational costs
•We offer classes at a range of prices
•6% increase to youth summer camps
Facility Fees
•3% increase to keep-up with operational costs
34
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST
34
Aspen Public Art Programming $210,000 (On-Going)
$160,000 for potential 2025 public art projects
o City Hall Exhibition: $45,000.
o Street Mural in Aspen’s core: $35,000.
o Medium-sized project, two smaller projects, and/or toward
partnership projects: $80,000
$15,000 for community programming to offer opportunities for
deeper engagement with the projects and the program.
$35,000 for communications, marketing, and documentation
support of projects.
35
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST
35
Aspen Public Art Program $210,000 (On-Going)
Public Art Program $55,000 (One Time)
$15,000 – Condition and maintenance report for current City of Aspen
collection
$40,000 – Development of a map, program branding, logo, and website
Public Art Program Manager FTE $143,900
Responsible for project development and implementation, budget, related
programming and communication needs, and establish vital community and
organizational partnerships consistent with the organization’s values and
mission statement.
36
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST
36
Art Installation $15,000 (On-Going)
•Market rate cost for professional art installation services
•Gallery Program offers opportunities to local and regional artists
•Contributes to cultural vitality
37
2025 CAPITAL
37
2025Capital Projects
$55,00051852 - Exterior Signage and Interpretation
2025Capital Maintenance
$30,00040022 – Window and Door Maintenance
$50,00050157 – Red Brick Plumbing and Infrastructure Maintenance
38
38
RED BRICK ARTS SUMMARY
Questions?
Supplementals:
Ongoing
-$15,000 Art Installation Services
-$353,900 Aspen Public Art Program
One Time
-$55,000 Establishing Elements for
Aspen Public Art
Capital:
$135,000
39
FY25 Budget Report
Environmental Health and Sustainability / Climate Action
CJ Oliver, Director of Environmental Health and Sustainability
Tessa Schreiner, Sustainability Manager October 21, 2024
40
40
2025 Departmental Priorities
•Built environment
• Municipal Facilities
Decarbonization Roadmap
• Building IQ
• Water efficiency programming
•Transportation
• Charging stations
• Fleet and equipment
electrification
•Environmental Health
• Trainings/Inspections in Spanish
• Streamlining processes
•Waste
• Construction and Demolition
Debris
• Organics
41
EH & CLIMATE REVENUES
41
Consumer
Protection
Programs
57%
Single Use Bag
Program
43%
EH Revenues
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Consumer Protection Programs $60,000 $61,200 $62,430 $63,680 $64,950
Water and Air Quality Monitoring $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Single Use Bag Program $45,000 $45,900 $46,820 $47,760 $48,720
Total Revenues $105,000 $107,100 $109,250 $111,440 $113,670
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
From the REMP Fund $180,000 $166,000 $170,300 $176,300 $182,300
From the Water Fund $225,000 $207,500 $212,900 $220,400 $227,800
From the Electric Fund $270,000 $249,000 $255,500 $264,500 $273,400
Total Revenues $675,000 $622,500 $638,700 $661,200 $683,500
Environmental Health
Climate Action
42
EH EXPENDITURES
42
Administrative
15%
Consumer
Protection
Programs
15%
Water & Air Quality
Monitoring
10%
Other Public
Health
Programs
12%Education & Outreach
4%
Recycling & Special
Waste Hauling
35%
Single Use Bag Program
9%
Operating Budget
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Administrative $192,620 $199,750 $207,190 $214,970 $223,120
Consumer Protection Programs $198,440 $206,420 $214,780 $223,530 $232,710
Water and Air Quality Monitoring $133,580 $138,020 $142,640 $147,450 $152,470
Other Public Health Programs $151,920 $158,030 $164,420 $171,100 $178,100
Education and Outreach $47,230 $48,990 $50,830 $52,760 $54,780
Recycling and Special Waste Hauling$463,120 $476,940 $491,280 $506,200 $521,730
Single Use Bag Program $122,310 $126,140 $130,120 $134,250 $138,550
Operating $1,309,220 $1,354,290 $1,401,260 $1,450,260 $1,501,460
Overhead Allocations $141,500 $157,260 $148,360 $156,420 $160,990
Total Uses $1,450,720 $1,511,550 $1,549,620 $1,606,680 $1,662,450
Surplus/(Subsidy)($1,345,720)($1,404,450)($1,440,370)($1,495,240)($1,548,780)
As a Percent of Uses 93% 93% 93% 93% 93%
43
CLIMATE EXPENDITURES
43
General Admin.
1%
Climate Action &
Resiliency
99%
Operating Budget
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
General Administrative $8,060 $8,220 $8,380 $8,540 $8,720
Climate Action and Resiliency $800,490 $746,160 $771,290 $797,500 $824,860
Operating $808,550 $754,380 $779,670 $806,040 $833,580
Overhead Allocations $76,100 $83,750 $80,390 $84,200 $86,530
Total Uses $884,650 $838,130 $860,060 $890,240 $920,110
Surplus/(Subsidy)($209,650)($215,630)($221,360)($229,040)($236,610)
As a Percent of Uses 24% 26% 26% 26% 26%
44
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUESTS
44
Sustainability Analyst (Termed FTE) - $78,510 (One-time)
• Net new funding request is $78,510, as staff proposes moving $20,000 from
temporary labor to cover 20% of position
• Expands a currently budgeted intern position to an FTE
• Council approved this one-time position for 2024
• Position deliverables:
o Benchmarking support for building owners (utility data and reports)
o CDP and Greenhouse Gas inventory reporting
o Interdepartmental support (e.g. Utilities – energy efficiency and water
programming and data/research support)
o Leading the process of the Municipal Facilities Decarbonization Roadmap
45
2025 Capital Projects
45
2025Capital Projects
$71,00051806 – EV Charging Stations - 2025
• EV Masterplan calls for 35-45 plugs – currently at 23
• Pushing this forward to 2025 to best capitalize on upcoming
public works projects – cost and work efficiency
• EV charger / EV information:
o Pitkin County EV registration has increased an average
40% year over year from 2010-2023 (750+ in Aspen)
o Charging station use is high in Aspen
46
46
EHS & CLIMATE SUMMARY
Questions?
Supplementals:
Sustainability Analyst +1.0
TERMED FTE - $78,510
Capital:
$71,000
47
FY25 Budget
REMP – 132 Fund
CJ Oliver, Environmental Health and Sustainability Director October 21, 2024
48
Building IQ: Program Update
48
Cost and Accomplishments of Program (since 2022):
• $1,088,000 in consultant support + one full-time staff
• Accomplishments:
o 36% of community square footage benchmarked
o 100% compliance
o Building owners get free scorecards, assessments, consulting,
connection to grants & rebates (rather than paying an engineer)
o Thru Q2 2024, CORE provided additional support beyond BIQ
scorecards, and provided $190,000 in grants & rebates
• Program updates – what’s next?
49
2025 PROPOSED BUDGET ALLOCATION
49
Foundational Services:
• $750,000
• Assessments, rebates, grants
• Case study development
• Multi-family building support
• Building performance hub
CORE conducting an assessment at the Isis Theater
50
REMP FUND FINANCIALS
50
Operating
87%
Transfers &
Overhead
13%
Total Uses Budget
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Opening Balance $2,338,043 $1,898,143 $937,103 $969,883 $1,015,013
REMP Fee $850,000 $867,000 $884,340 $902,030 $920,070
Investment Income $60,100 $37,960 $18,740 $19,400 $20,300
Total Revenues $910,100 $904,960 $903,080 $921,430 $940,370
Operating $1,170,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000
Transfers Out $180,000 $1,166,000 $170,300 $176,300 $182,300
Total Uses $1,350,000 $1,866,000 $870,300 $876,300 $882,300
Ending Fund Balance $1,898,143 $937,103 $969,883 $1,015,013 $1,073,083
51
2025 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST
51
Building IQ:
• $420,000
• Individual property owner support in
benchmarking and connection to grants
and rebates
• Benchmarking reports
o Community report
o Individualized building owner reports
• Building performance standard support
52
52
REMP Summary
Questions?
Work Plan Highlights:
Foundational Services: rebates, grants, assessments, resource hub
Building IQ: benchmarking support and reporting, building
performance standard support
Supplementals:
$420,000 one-time Building IQ Program
Capital:
None
53
FY25 Budget Report
Utilities Department – Water 421 Fund & Electric 431 Fund
Justin Forman – Director
October 21, 2024
54
Mission: Provide safe, reliable, resource-conscious, and affordable
electricity and water for the community. 54
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
55
Electric & Water Service Territories
55
56
WATER UTILITY REVENUES
56
Demand Service
31%
Variable
Service
41%
Other Water Svcs
10%
Dev. Review
Fees
4%
Tap Fees
10%
Other Rev
4%
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Opening Balance $16,887,548 $13,126,697 $5,426,687 $5,361,291 $5,435,687
Demand Service $4,094,000 $4,307,100 $4,532,500 $4,769,600 $5,019,800
Variable Service $5,334,700 $5,630,400 $5,942,400 $6,271,400 $6,618,700
Other Water Services $1,248,000 $1,271,258 $1,294,789 $1,318,578 $1,342,650
Development Review Fees $567,438 $573,113 $578,844 $584,632 $590,478
Tap Fees $1,356,980 $1,370,990 $1,385,151 $1,399,455 $1,413,923
Other Revenues $515,670 $279,330 $125,560 $124,500 $126,230
Total Revenues $13,116,788 $13,432,191 $13,859,244 $14,468,165 $15,111,782
57
WATER UTILITY EXPENDITURES
57
Administrative
15%
Development
Services
12%
Utility Billing Svcs
10%
Efficiency
Program
2%
Treated Water
17%
Untreated Water
7%
Distribution
Management
28%
Water
Campus
3%
Water
Rights
6%
Operating Budget
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Administrative $820,806 $847,750 $875,810 $905,040 $935,470
Development Services $653,070 $679,450 $707,100 $736,090 $766,510
Support Services $563,410 $583,450 $604,410 $626,340 $649,300
Climate Action $145,500 $149,310 $153,240 $157,300 $161,490
Treated Water $928,500 $958,130 $988,930 $1,020,950 $1,054,270
Untreated Water $379,800 $391,460 $403,570 $416,120 $429,150
Distribution Management $1,558,833 $1,609,030 $1,661,250 $1,715,600 $1,772,210
Facilities Maintenance $165,210 $170,760 $176,540 $182,570 $188,860
Water Rights $347,750 $357,260 $367,100 $377,260 $387,780
Operating $5,562,879 $5,746,600 $5,937,950 $6,137,270 $6,345,040
Capital $8,650,660 $12,730,410 $5,295,560 $5,454,070 $5,357,350
Transfers Out $2,664,100 $2,655,190 $2,691,130 $2,802,430 $2,902,120
Total Uses $16,877,639 $21,132,200 $13,924,640 $14,393,770 $14,604,510
Targeted Reserve (25%)$4,219,410 $5,283,050 $3,481,160 $3,598,443 $3,651,128
Ending Fund Balance $13,126,697 $5,426,687 $5,361,291 $5,435,687 $5,942,958
% of Target 311% 103% 154% 151% 163%
58
WATER UTILITY
2025 FINANCIAL PLAN
•Maintain financial viability
•Uphold a high level of reliable service
•Support ongoing efficiency programs
•Proactive in response to industry trends
& customer needs
•Keep up with capital needs
•Sustainable cost of ownership
59
RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE DOWNTOWN
•Dollar impacts on individual monthly bills will vary based on seasonal patterns
and personal consumption choices.
60
RESIDENTIAL WATER SERVICE – PUMPED/OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS
•This is an example of a high use summer month that includes outdoor
irrigation.
61
COMMERCIAL WATER SERVICE
62
Utility Investment Charge “TAP FEES”
2025 Proposed Utility Connection/Water Tap Fee
•One-time Fees Assessed To A New Customer Connecting To The
Water System Or To An Existing Customer Who Is Increasing Their
Demand On The System.
•Cost Recovery Model For Applicant’s Incremental Increased
Demand On Water Infrastructure Billing Area 2025 Charges per ECU
Billing Area 1 $13,020
Billing Area 2 $26,041
Billing Area 3 $26,041
Billing Area 4 $16,275
Billing Area 5 $22,786
Billing Area 6 $26,041
Billing Area 7 $19,530
Billing Area 8 Reserved
63
Colorado Water Rate Study
64
2025 Major Capital Projects
64
Appropriations by Year
$200,000Prior Years
$2,000,0002025
$0Out Years
$2,200,000Lifetime Budget
50763 Cast Iron and Steel Waterline Replacement – Wrights Road
•Replace 940 Linear Feet of 6” CIP & Substandard Service Lines on Wrights Road
•Critical Project: 7 Breaks Total, 5 Breaks in 5 Years, 2 Breaks in Dec. 2023
•Large Impact to Homes with Access from Wrights Road
•Project Completion: 2025
Task Level Budget
$200,000Design & Engineering
$1,850,000Hard Construction Cost
$150,000Project Contingencies
6” CIP at
Wrights Road
65
2025 Major Capital Projects
66
Appropriations by Year
$5,392,000Prior Years
$5,500,0002025
$11,500,000Out Years
$22,392,000Lifetime Budget
51757 Water Treatment Facility Improvements
•Replacement of ~15-year old Filter Underdrains and Media; 40+ year old Control Valves, Flow
Meters, and Backwash Supply Pumps
•Replacement of Existing Chemical Feed and Storage Equipment
•Upgrade Filter Automation and Controls to Allow Remote Operations
•Improvements to WTP Campus Site Drainage and Asphalt Replacement
•Design and Permitting: 2023-2025, Construction: 2025-2027, 2030-2031
Task Level Budget
$2,500,000Design & Engineering
$18,000,000Hard Construction Cost
$1,892,000Project Contingencies
JF0
66
2025 Capital
67
2025Capital Projects
$200,00051795 - Water and Pipeline Locating Equipment – 2025
$170,00051788 - Water Distribution Replacement – 2025
$100,00051791 - Emerging Capital and Design - 2025
$54,00051790 - Fleet Water – 2025
$50,00051792 - Fire Hydrant Replacement – 2025
$12,00051793 - Office Equipment Water – 2025
2025Capital Maintenance
$92,50040060 Information Technology Plan
$80,00040057 Recreational In-stream Diversion Maintenance
$50,00040164 Maroon Creek Hydro Facility Maintenance
$7,50040055 Core City Network – Water
$7,00040054 Water Campus Network Components
$5,80040120 Highlands Tank Rehabilitation Maintenance
67
68
WATER SUMMARY
Questions?
Supplementals: None; 0 FTE's
Capital:
- Projects $8,086,000
- Maintenance $242,800
68
ELECTRIC UTILITY REVENUES
69
Variable Service
66%
Availability
Service
27%
Community Inv. Fee
2%Other Rev.
5%
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Opening Balance $6,094,837 $5,990,901 $5,784,254 $5,222,225 $5,851,406
Variable Service $9,784,306 $10,403,520 $11,025,737 $11,573,453 $12,142,323
Availability Service $3,905,733 $4,031,822 $4,195,507 $4,364,265 $4,539,775
Community Investment Fee $246,840 $251,780 $256,820 $261,960 $267,200
Other Revenues $789,120 $734,930 $743,030 $744,270 $769,580
Total Revenues $14,725,999 $15,422,051 $16,221,094 $16,943,949 $17,718,878
CL0
69
ELECTRIC UTILITY EXPENDITURES
70
Administrative
6%
Utility Billing Services
5%
Efficiency
Program
>1%
Locally
Produced Power
6%
Purchased Power
70%
Distribution
Management
10%
Electric Campus
1%
Public Lighting
2%
Operating Budget
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029
Request Projection Projection Projection Projection
Administrative $600,205 $620,590 $641,790 $663,850 $686,900
Support Services $512,280 $529,930 $548,350 $567,590 $587,730
Climate Action $22,350 $23,220 $24,130 $25,080 $26,070
Locally Produced Power $555,630 $570,190 $585,180 $600,650 $616,690
Purchased Power $6,706,480 $7,118,698 $7,679,823 $8,191,598 $8,482,712
Distribution Management $919,150 $953,000 $988,240 $1,025,040 $1,063,450
Facilities Maintenance $68,245 $70,610 $73,050 $75,590 $78,240
Public Lighting $211,570 $218,740 $226,180 $233,890 $241,920
Operating $9,595,910 $10,104,978 $10,766,743 $11,383,288 $11,783,712
Capital $3,204,540 $3,726,710 $4,158,240 $3,001,230 $3,616,420
Debt Service $274,685 $0 $0 $0 $0
Transfers Out $1,754,800 $1,797,010 $1,858,140 $1,930,250 $2,002,200
Total Uses $14,829,935 $15,628,698 $16,783,123 $16,314,768 $17,402,332
Targeted Reserve (25%) $3,707,484 $3,907,175 $4,195,781 $4,078,692 $4,350,583
Ending Fund Balance $5,990,901 $5,784,254 $5,222,225 $5,851,406 $6,167,951
% of Target 162% 148% 124% 143% 142%
70
ELECTRIC UTILITY
2025 Financial Plan
•Maintain financial viability
•Uphold a high level of reliable service
•Proactive in response to industry trends &
customer needs
•Keep up with capital needs
•Sustainable and resilient level of service to all
customers
71
AVERAGE JANUARY RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC 2024 AVERAGE BILL 2025 AVERAGE BILL
kWh Charges $202.36 $212.88
Availability Charges $46.02 $46.02
Average Residential - Aspen $248.38 $258.90
200 AMP Service / 1500 kWh $10.52Monthly Adjustment
•This is an example of a high consumption month (January).
•Seasonality and efficient use may mean that some customer see monthly bill
impacts in the low single digits.
Average January Electric Bill
72
SMALL COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
SMALL COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC 2024 AVERAGE BILL 2025 AVERAGE BILL
kWh Charges $228.94 $244.63
Availability Charges $60.39 $61.60
Average Small Commercial - State $289.33 $306.23
200 AMP Service / 2,000 kWh $16.90Monthly Adjustment
Average January Electric Bill
73
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC 2024 AVERAGE BILL 2025 AVERAGE BILL
kWh Charges $3,547.18 $3,899.24
Demand kW Charges $1,021.50 $1,052.10
Availability Charges $122.59 $128.12
Average Large Commercial $4,691.27 $5,079.46
400 AMP Service / 45,000 kWh / 45 kW $388.19Monthly Adjustment
Average January Electric Bill
74
RESIDENTIAL ALL-ELECTRIC
•Beginning in 2024, Utilities began offering a rate designed for
residential customers who are on an all electric rate.
•Utilities continues to offer both an all-electric affordable housing
rate and senior rate.
CL0
75
ELECTRIC COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FEES
Fee Title: Electric Community Investment Fees
•One-time Fees Assessed To A New Customer Connecting To The
Electric System Or To An Existing Customer Who Is Increasing Their
Demand On The System.
•Provides Funding for Capital Projects For Applicant’s Incremental
Increased Demand On Electric Capacity & Infrastructure.
•Customer receives full dollar credit for existing service size
76
U.S. Residential kWh CostJF0
77
COLORADO ELECTRIC RATE STUDY - RESIDENTIAL
JF0
78
COLORADO ELECTRIC RATE STUDY – SMALL COMMERCIAL
79
COLORADO ELECTRIC RATE STUDY – LARGE COMMERCIAL
80
ELECTRIC SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST
81
Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo)/XCEL Electric
Transmission $127,000 (Year One of Five, Ongoing)
•Increases due to Colorado Power Pathways Project
•Double Digit Increases for Five Years in addition to normal
annual inflationary percentages
•Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and Center challenging ruling with
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as project has no direct
benefit to City’s electric system or delivery.
81
2025 Major Capital Projects
82
Appropriations by Year
$200,000Prior Years
$2,000,0002025
$0Out Years
$2,200,000Lifetime Budget
51797- Puppy Smith to Red Brick Electric Design and Installation
• Replace +/- 1500 L.F. of 30+ Year Old Electric Cable with Cable and Conduit System
• Increases System Safety and Reliability
• 2024 Red Brick Circuit Project Costs Informed the 2025 Construction Budget Request
• 2024 Project Funding Re-prioritized Due to Recent System Outages
• Design 2024, Construction 2025
Task Level Budget
$200,000Design & Engineering
$50,000Testing & Inspection
$1,850,000Hard Construction Cost
$100,000Project Contingencies
82
2025 Major Capital Projects
83
Appropriations by Year
$2,550,000Prior Years
$02025
$1,400,000Out Years
$3,950,000Lifetime Budget
51595- Paepcke Park To City Market Circuit Replacement
• Replace +/- 3000 L.F. of 30+ Year Old Electric Cable with Cable and Conduit System
• Increases System Safety and Reliability
• 2024 Red Brick Circuit Project Costs Informed the 2026 Construction Budget Request
• 2025 Project Funding Re-prioritized Due to Recent System Outages
• Remaining Construction Rescheduled for 2026
Task Level Budget
$50,000Design & Engineering
$75,000Testing & Inspection
$50,000Plan Review & Permits
$3,325,000Hard Construction Cost
$450,000Project Contingencies
83
2025 Major Capital Projects
84
Appropriations by Year
$0Prior Years
$200,0002025
$3,000,000Out Years
$3,200,000Lifetime Budget
51726- Koch to City Market Electric Replacement
• Replace +/- 2800 L.F. of 30+ Year Old Electric Cable with Cable and Conduit System
• Increases System Safety and Reliability
• 2024 Red Brick Circuit Project Costs Informed the 2026 Construction Budget Request
• 2024 Project Funding Re-prioritized Due to Recent System Outages
• Design 2025, Construction 2026
Task Level Budget
$200,000Design & Engineering
$80,000Testing & Inspection
$2,650,000Hard Construction Cost
$270,000Project Contingencies
84
2025 Major Capital Projects
85
Appropriations by Year
$0Prior Years
$330,0002025
$170,000Out Years
$500,000Lifetime Budget
51800- Ruedi - Transformer
• Replace existing powerhouse transformer with new device to ensure continued power delivery
• Increases System Reliability
• Extends Useful Life for an Additional 30+ Years
• Design and Purchase Equipment in 2025, Install in 2026
Task Level Budget
$30,000Design & Engineering
$135,000Hard Construction Cost
$285,000Acquisitions
$50,000Project Contingencies
85
2025 Capital
86
2025Capital Projects
$200,00051799 Electric System Replacement -2025
$50,00051805 Emerging Capital and Design - 2025
2025Capital Maintenance
$92,50040060 Information Technology Plan
$12,50040059 Work Equipment
$50,00040130 Puppy Smith Building
$11,86040062 Water Distribution/Electric Shop
$2,50040061 Core City Network – Electric
86
87
ELECTRIC SUMMARY
Questions?
Supplementals:
$127,000 – Electric
Transmission
Capital:
- Projects 2,780,000
- Maintenance $169,360
87
FY25 Budget
Parking 451 Fund & Transportation 141 Fund
Matt Grau | Budget Manager October 21, 2024
88
TRANSPORTATION
89
•2025 Total Sources - $7,140,910
•2025 Total Uses - $10,980,253
•Supplemental Requests
o We-Cycle Bike Share Operating support and
35 new e-bikes for fleet
•Capital
o Purchase of one new bus for the RFTA fleet,
zero emission all-electric
o Rubey Park Maintenance
o Bus Stop Improvements
o Traffic Signal Maintenance
Admin.
8%
Facilities
Maint.
8%
Mass Transit
58%
Alternative
Transit
23%
Transportation
Demand
3%
89
PARKING
90
•2025 Total Sources - $5,080,500
•2025 Total Uses - $5,883,420
•Supplemental Requests
o Ops Expense increase for towing contractor
•Capital
o Downtown core parking improvements,
including technology upgrades
o Fleet Parking
o Rio Grande Parking Garage sump pumps
o Downtown core parking striping
o Garage maintenance
Admin.
20%
Facilities
6%
Parking
Enforcement
74%
90
FY25 Budget
Stormwater – 160 Fund
Matt Grau | Budget Manager October 21, 2024
91
STORMWATER
92
•2025 Total Sources - $2,446,225
•2025 Total Uses - $2,911,540
•Supplemental Requests
o Phase 2 of the Stormwater System Assessment
o Annual stormwater vault and pipe cleaning and
maintenance
•Capital
o Stormpipe lining project
o West End stormwater infrastructure
replacement
o Urban runoff management plan update
o Capital plan reflects current funding availability
and not full system and infrastructure needs
Other
4%
Admin.
9%
Development
Services
23%
Storm
Drainage
64%
92
FY25 Budget
Truscott I & Marolt Housing - Funds 491 492
Matt Grau | Budget Manager October 21, 2024
93
TRUSCOTT I (City Owned)
94
•2025 Total Sources - $1,551,150
•2025 Total Uses - $1,816,970
•Capital
•Asphalt overlay of Truscott parking lot
•Playground equipment replacement
•Exterior painting and mechanical replacement
•Interior and exterior capital maintenance
Admin.
1%
Property /
Facilities Maint.
32%
Housing
Sales &
Rental
9%
Capital
37%
Transfers Out
21%
Total Uses
94
TRUSCOTT II (Tax Credit)
95
•2025 Total Sources - $1,476,800
•2025 Total Uses - $1,496,210
•Capital
•Asphalt overlay of Truscott parking lot
•Playground equipment replacement
•Exterior power wash
•Skylight replacement
•Interior and exterior capital maintenance
Admin.
8%
Property /
Facilities Maint.
25%
Capital
38%
Debt Service
29%
Total Uses
95
MAROLT (City Owned)
96
•2025 Total Sources - $1,728,400
•2025 Total Uses - $1,774,020
•Capital
o Asphalt overlay of Marolt parking lot
o Exterior door and window replacement
o Interior and exterior capital maintenance
Admin.
<1%
Property /
Facilities Maint.
25%
Housing Sales
& Rental
11%
Capital
23%
Transfers Out
41%
Total Uses
96
ASPEN COUNTRY INN (Tax Credit)
97
•2025 Total Sources - $747,400
•2025 Total Uses - $801,160
•Capital
o Asphalt overlay of ACI parking lot
o Window replacement
o Appliance replacement
o Boiler maintenance
o Interior and exterior capital maintenance
Admin.
3%
Property /
Facilities
Maint.
24%
Housing Sales
and Rental Svcs.
6%
Capital
50%
Debt Service
17%
Total Uses
97
98
OCOTOBER 21st WORK SESSION WRAP UP
Questions?
Next budget work session October 28th
•Department Presentations
o Employee Housing
o Employee Benefits
o Tourism Promotion
•Budget Presented by Finance
o Public Education, Information
Technology, Kids First, Debt Service
•Budget Work Session Wrap Up
98
MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor and City Council
FROM:Cole Langford, Utilities Business Manager
Justin Forman, Utilities Director
THROUGH:Tyler Christoff, Public Works Director
Pete Strecker, Finance Director
MEMO DATE:October 14, 2024
MEETING DATE:October 21, 2024
RE:2025 Electric and Water Utility Proposed Rates, Fees, and
Updates – Annual Utilities Work Session
_____
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: Staff requests an annual review of proposed changes to Title
25—Utilities—of the Aspen Municipal Code covering electric and water rates, fees,
policies, and calculation tables as shown in Exhibit A, draft Ordinance #20, Series of 2024.
All proposed amendments and additions to Title 25 of the Aspen Municipal Code have
been highlighted in yellow, as shown in Exhibit A.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: Council approved Electric and Water Utilities Financial
Plan rates and fees in November 2023. These rate and fee adjustments represent an
incremental approach to utility operational increases, as well as the cost of sustainable
ownership within both utilities.
These proposed revenue adjustments play an important role in ensuring the Utility meets
its commitment of providing dependable service while navigating the changing utility
policies, regulations, and demand patterns within the water and electric industry .
Adjustments support City Council policies and goals for the equitable access and
allocation of finite resources for all customers.
During the 2024 budget year, Utilities has continued to promote responsible resource
stewardship and efficiency through various utility and community programs. Both water
and electric funds continued their commitment to reinvesting in infrastructure
replacement. Although not an exhaustive list of all the projects completed during the 2024
budget year, the water department replaced nearly two blocks of mainline in conjunction
with the Hallam & Garmisch stormwater replacement, installed another backup generator
for pump station resiliency, and received approval for final design for the water treatment
plant backbone operational improvements. The electric department continued year three
99
2
of fifteen of cable and conduit replacement, and completed major renovations and
equipment upgrades to the Puppy Smith switch station. This work was accomplished
while maintaining reliable water and electric service at nationally competitive rates.
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: 2025 proposed electric and water Title 25 changes
address ongoing infrastructure needs, reflect evolving customer expectations, respond to
inflationary pressures, and recognize new State compliance standards. Staff believe
these proposed updates meet the functional needs of the utilities while creating
responsive service options for our customers.
In a recent analysis of the water utility’s 10-year Capital Asset Management Plan, it was
calculated that the annual capital cost of sustainable ownership for the Water utility is at
$7.3 million with a backlog of $90 million in pipe replacement projects. The Electric utility
annual capital cost of sustainable ownership for a 10-year period is at $2.5 million with a
$40 million backlog in cable replacement projects. Without continued capital investment
and proactive management, utilities services would deteriorate to a point where staff and
infrastructure could not adequately meet customer needs. Staff reviews the capital asset
management plan annually to determine which projects are of highest priority to the
respective utility. Regular rate and fee studies are industry standard as they ensure a
utility can continue a sustainable and resilient level of service to all customers, invest in
infrastructure improvements, and respond to factors such as emerging utility policy,
program and infrastructure needs, customer growth, technology use, industry dynamics,
and demand pattern changes.
DISCUSSION:Utilities is proposing updates to Aspen Municipal Code Title 25 -- Utilities.
Included in these updates are a recommended 5% revenue increase for the Water utility
and a 5.25% revenue increase to the Electric utility. Below are some of the major changes
we are proposing.
ELECTRIC FUND
Applying proposed rate adjustments results in changes to the average utility customer
monthly bills. Tables below reflect theoretical average monthly cost impacts to the various
customer classes including average residential; small commercial; large commercial; and
affordable housing all-electric residential. The intent of these tables (below) is to
demonstrate a stochastic monthly change various customer classes may experience in
this proposal. The electric bill scenarios reflect average peak monthly winter use.
100
3
2024 Proposed Electric Rate Adjustments
Table 1 – Typical Electric Residential Service
Table 2 – Typical Electric Small Commercial Service
Table 3 – Typical Electric Large Commercial Service
Table 4 - Typical Electric Affordable Housing Residential Electric Service
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC 2024 AVERAGE BILL 2025 AVERAGE BILL
kWh Charges $202.36 $212.88
Availability Charges $46.02 $46.02
Average Residential - Aspen $248.38 $258.90
200 AMP Service / 1500 kWh $10.52Monthly Adjustment
SMALL COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC 2024 AVERAGE BILL 2025 AVERAGE BILL
kWh Charges $228.94 $244.63
Availability Charges $60.39 $61.60
Average Small Commercial - Aspen $289.33 $306.23
200 AMP Service / 2,000 kWh $16.90Monthly Adjustment
LARGE COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC 2024 AVERAGE BILL 2025 AVERAGE BILL
kWh Charges $3,547.18 $3,899.24
Demand kW Charges $1,021.50 $1,052.10
Availability Charges $122.59 $128.12
Average Large Commercial $4,691.27 $5,079.46
400 AMP Service / 45,000 kWh / 45 kW $388.19Monthly Adjustment
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALL ELECTRIC 2024 AVERAGE BILL 2025 AVERAGE BILL
kWh Charges $96.20 $101.20
Availability Charges $46.02 $46.02
Current Affordable Housing All Electric Rate - Multi Unit $142.22 $147.22
200 AMP Service / 1,000 kWh $5.00Monthly Adjustment
101
4
Electric Community Investment Fee
The City tracks overall community electric demand using a system that accounts for all
amperage connected to Aspen’s electric system. Each City electric account has an
individual amperage rating based on electric appliances, lighting, climate control, and
other factors indicative of electrical demand. The Electric Community Investment (ECI)
fee is charged to any customer requesting services for new development and/or
expansion of existing services within the Aspen electric service area and is measured at
each individual electric meter’s breaker. The ECI fee provides capital to the Electric Utility
to fund the incremental portion of infrastructure needed to deliver electric services to new
or expanded services. The proposed structure ensures ECI fees are applied
proportionally; customers requiring a greater share of infrastructure and resources are
assessed a higher ECI fee. Customers with an existing electric service receive full
financial credit towards their upsized service.
2025 Title 25 Proposed changes include a 15% Increase for 100 Amp to 400 Amp
services and a 20% Increase for 600 Amp services and above.
2025-2029 PSCo/XCEL Electric Transmission Cost Supplemental
Costs for electric transmission in our region is generally recovered through a structure
known as the network transmission model. The City of Aspen utilizes Public Service
Company’s (PSCo’s) network to move a portion of Aspen’s energy. Participants pay rates
based on their proportional share of capital and operating costs associated with the
network. Regardless of the distance or physical infrastructure utilized on PSCo’s lines,
the City pays a fixed amount multiplied by the peak hour kilowatt (kW) of electrical power
delivered. PSCo typically updates their network transmission service rates annually,
which has historically averaged a single digit percent increase.
PSCo. is currently working on a project, the Colorado’s Power Pathway, which is
estimated to cost $1.7 to $2 billion to enable future energy development in eastern
Colorado. Due to the City’s participation in PSCo’s network, there will be a direct pass-
through cost to the Utility even though the City will not directly utilize this new network
infrastructure.
Staff is actively working with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN), the City’s
wholesale electric provider, to continue providing the yearly increase in transmission cost.
Staff currently estimates increases between 15-25% for this Power Pathways project
annually for the next five years, in addition to the service rate increases. The City of
Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and Center, CO are working to challenge the fairness of this
rate increase for utilities that receive no direct benefit from the project.
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5
WATER FUND
Applying proposed financial recommendations to our rates results in changes to the
average utility customer monthly bills. Tables below reflect theoretical average monthly
cost impacts to the various customer classes including average residential (downtown);
residential (pumped); and commercial. The intent of these tables (below) is to
demonstrate the notional monthly change various customer classes may experience in
this proposal. The water bill scenarios reflect average peak monthly summer use.
2024 Proposed Water Rate Adjustments
Table A – Typical Water Residential Service
Table B – Typical Water Residential (Pumped) Service – Outside City Limits
RESIDENTIAL WATER - DOWNTOWN
2024 AVERAGE
BILL
2025 AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable (Consumption)$37.80 $39.70
Water Demand $19.11 $20.06
Fire Charge $13.91 $14.61
Average Residential -- Downtown $70.82 $74.37
2.81 ECUs & 0 Pumps / 10,000 gallons $3.55Monthly Adjustment
RESIDENTIAL WATER - RED MOUNTAIN
2024 AVERAGE
BILL
2025 AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable (Consumption)$246.28 $258.58
Water Demand $54.40 $57.12
Fire Charge $39.60 $41.60
Pump Charge $168.00 $176.50
Average Residential -- Red Mtn.$508.28 $533.80
4.0 ECUs & 1 Pumps / 50,000 gallons $25.52Monthly Adjustment
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Table C – Typical Water Commercial Service
Water Service Line Requirements
The Water department will present Ordinance 019, Series 2024 to Council on October
22, 2024 for approval, which proposes updates to water service line requirements within
Title 25 to align with the Federal and State Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and
Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI).
On December 16, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the LCRR,
which further strengthens protections against lead in drinking water and which include a
number of new requirements for public water systems, including a system-wide service
line inventory and a service line replacement plan. All public water systems must comply
with the new LCRR starting October 16, 2024, which includes Aspen’s municipal water
system.
State and Federal rules require public water systems to develop a replacement plan for
any service lines determined to be “lead” or “galvanized requiring replacement”. The
water services in the city’s system are in a strong position compared to other public water
systems of similar size and age because of the pace of development and so only a small
portion of services fall into a category requiring replacement.
Water Utility Investment Charge (Tap Fees)
The City tracks overall water demand using a method that accounts for all fixtures
connected to Aspen’s water distribution system. Each City water account has an
individual equivalent capacity unit (ECU) rating based on water fixtures, irrigated area,
and other factors indicative of water demand. The water tap fee is charged to any
customer requesting services for new development or expansion of existing services
within the service area. Payment for ECUs or tap fees represents a customer’s
incremental ownership of Aspen’s water system and infrastructure and its associated
capacity. Raftelis Financial Consultants were contracted in 2024 to evaluate our existing
COMMERCIAL WATER
2024 AVERAGE
BILL
2025 AVERAGE
BILL
Water Variable (Consumption)$197.56 $207.46
Water Demand $71.40 $74.97
Fire Charge $51.98 $54.60
Average Commercial $320.94 $337.03
10.5 ECUS & 0 Pumps / 50,000 gallons $16.09Monthly Adjustment
104
7
Utility Investment Charge recommendation based on current Aspen Water Utility fixed
asset replacement costs.
2025 Title 25 Proposed changes include an 11% increase for Water Utility Investment
Charges (Tap Fees).
FINANCIAL IMPACTS: Both the Water and Electric departments are enterprise funds
supported solely by our customer base. The proposed rates outlined in Title 25 of the
Municipal Code support the Utilities revenue streams and the costs of utilities operations,
long range planning, resource development, and sustainability programming.
The financial implications of the proposed electric and water rate adjustments, as well as
the fee adjustments, are outlined in Water and Electric Long-Range Plans and will be part
of the 2025 Budget book at the November first and second readings of Title 25—Utilities—
Ordinance changes.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The electric and water rate structures continue to place
a value on, support for, and incentive for, conservation and efficiency practices, programs,
and policies.
ALTERNATIVES:Council may request portions of the recommended rate and fee
adjustments be modified.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends using proposed draft updates to electric and
water rates, fees, policies, and calculation tables shown in Exhibit A as the basis for First
Reading at a regular City Council meeting in November of 2024.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit A: Ordinance #20, Series of 2024
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Exhibit A – ORDINANCE NO. 20
Series 2024
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, AMENDING AND
ADDING TO TITLE 25 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF ASPEN--UTILITIES—
SPECIFICALLY CHAPTERS 25.04 ELECTRICITY; 25.08 WATER SERVICE – GENERAL PROVISIONS;
25.12 UTILITY CONNECTIONS; 25.16 WATER RATES AND CHARGES; AND 25.30 WATER EFFICIENT
LANDSCAPING STANDARDS.
WHEREAS, the City owns and operates a public electric and water system; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a policy of requiring all users of the electric and water
system operated by the City of Aspen to pay fees that fairly approximate the costs of providing such
services; and
WHEREAS, the City Council supports maintaining and improving the City’s infrastructure to create
more efficient and resilient systems for the community that relies on these important services; and
WHEREAS, the City Council supports electric and water rate structures that place a value on, and
incentive for, conservation and efficiency programs, policies, and improvements; and
WHEREAS, the City Council supports policies and goals for the equitable access and allocation of
finite resources for all customers; and
WHEREAS, City Utilities believes in regular rate studies to ensure customers’ needs are met,
revenues and expenditures are aligned, and the public electric and water systems remain sustainable and
resilient.
WHEREAS, the rates outlined in Title 25 of the municipal code support the Utilities revenue stream
and ultimately support the ever-increasing costs of utility operation, long-range planning, resource
development, and sustainability programing.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO:
Section 1.
That Title 25 of the Municipal Code of the City of Aspen, Colorado, which section sets forth Utilities,
is hereby amended, and added to, to read as follows:
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Sec. 25.04.035. Electric Community Investment Fee.
The Electric Department must expand the electric system facilities to accommodate new development
without decreasing current reliability and service standards. The Electric Department distributes electricity to the
customers in its service area by means of an integrated and interdependent system-wide network of electric
facilities. The Electric Community Investment (ECI) fee will be charged to any customer requesting services for new
development and expansion of existing services within the service area as measured at breaker size at meter. If
breaker size is not listed in Table below, billing amps are rounded up to next available amperage size shown below.
EV Charging services will be charged under Commercial ECI fee structure unless located directly in a Single
Family Residence in which case those services will be charged at the Residential ECI fee structure.
The ECI will provide additional capital to the Electric Department to pay for a portion of the new facilities
needed to deliver electric services to new or expanded services. Effective January 1, 2025, all residential,
commercial and city facilities customers of the Aspen Electric Department shall pay the ECI fee as follows:
ECI Residential ECI Commercial
Panel Amps 1 Phase
120/240V
3 Phase
120/208V
1 Phase
120/240V
3 Phase
120/208V
3 Phase
277/480V
100 $2,282 $4,563 $6,087 $6,844 $15,795
200 $4,565 $9,127 $12,173 $13,689 $26,325
300 $9,130 $14,832 $18,260 $20,533 $47,385
400 $12,173 $19,776 $24,347 $27,378 $63,180
600 $21,649 $35,168 $43,298 $48,688 $112,357
800 $28,865 $46,891 $57,730 $64,918 $149,810
1000 $36,081 $58,614 $72,163 $81,147 $187,262
1200 $43,298 $70,337 $86,595 $97,376 $224,715
1400 $50,514 $82,060 $101,028 $113,606 $262,167
1600 $57,730 $93,783 $115,460 $129,835 $299,619
1800 $64,946 $105,505 $129,893 $146,064 $337,072
2000 $72,163 $117,228 $144,325 $162,294 $374,524
2200 $79,379 $128,951 $158,758 $178,523 $411,977
2400 $86,595 $140,674 $173,190 $194,753 $449,429
2600 $90,492 $147,004 $180,984 $203,516 $469,653
2800 $94,564 $153,619 $189,128 $212,675 $490,788
3000 and above $98,819 $160,532 $197,639 $222,245 $512,873
(Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1,
11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.04.037. Fees for distributed energy systems attached to Aspen Electric.
(a)All projects on properties within the City of Aspen Electric Utility service area that require staff and/or
engineering review or that will add distributed energy systems that could include battery storage are subject
to electric development review fees prior to issuance of a city electric permit. No solar photovoltaic and/or
battery storage systems will be allowed to connect to City of Aspen Electric service without a signed
Interconnection Agreement.
(b)The electric development review fee shall be as set forth in Subsection (c) of the Section.
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(c)Electric Development Review Fees. Effective January 1, 2025, utility staff review fees for distributed energy
systems are:
System Size in kW Distributed Energy System Only Distributed Energy System and Battery
Storage
0—9.99 kW $500.00 $700.00
10—24.99 kW $1,000.00 $1,500.00
25 kW and up $2,000.00 $4,000.00
(Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.04.038. Electric utility application fee.
Effective January 1, 2025, an application fee of one-hundred dollars ($100) shall be assessed upon submission of
any Electric Utility Permit application.
Sec. 25.04.040. Electric service rates.
(a)The rates applicable to EV Charging services will be subject to service rates for a Large Commercial Customer
if the electric meter connected to the EV Charger has a measured kW use of 40 kW for any twelve (12)
consecutive months. If the electric meter connected to the EV Charger has a measured use of less than 40
kW for the prior twelve (12) consecutive months, and if the EV charger is not situated within a Single-Family
Residence, it will be charged as a Small Commercial Customer. If the electric meter connected to the EV
Charger is located directly in a Single-Family Residence, it will be charged as a Residential Customer.
(b)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all residential, commercial and city facilities customers of the
Aspen Electric Department shall pay a monthly customer availability charge as follows:
AMP Size Standard
Residential
Customer
Senior
Residential
Customer - 70%
Small
Commercial
Customer
Large
Commercial
Customer
100 AMP $23.64 $16.55 $31.97 $30.14
200 AMP $46.02 $32.21 $61.60 $55.73
300 AMP $106.29 $74.40 $100.79 $88.87
400 AMP $154.93 $108.45 $146.59 $128.12
600 AMP $273.31 $191.32 $258.09 $225.49
800 AMP $412.01 $288.41 $388.71 $341.04
1000 AMP $573.91 $401.74 $541.19 $473.81
1200 AMP $749.26 $524.48 $706.33 $622.49
1400 AMP $951.57 $666.10 $896.86 $789.64
1600 AMP $1,153.87 $807.71 $1,087.39 $956.80
1800 AMP $1,373.64 $961.55 $1,294.37 $1,147.31
2000 AMP $1,618.75 $1,133.13 $1,525.20 $1,351.22
2200 AMP $1,893.93 $1,325.75 $1,784.49 $1,580.93
2400 AMP $2,215.90 $1,551.13 $2,087.85 $1,849.68
2600 AMP $2,592.61 $1,814.83 $2,442.79 $2,164.13
2800 AMP $3,033.35 $2,123.35 $2,858.06 $2,532.03
3000 AMP and
above
$3,549.02 $2,484.31 $3,343.93 $2,962.48
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(b)In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, the
residential customer shall pay the sum of the metered use of electric energy measured in kilowatt-hours
(kWh) during the department's monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the appropriate service rate as
follows:
AMP
Size
Usage
Up To
Per
KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To
Per
KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To
Per
KWh
Remaining
Usage
Over
Per
KWh
100
AMP
400 $0.1012 1,080 $0.1517 1,920 $0.2345 1,920 $0.4144
200
AMP
520 $0.1012 1,360 $0.1517 2,800 $0.2345 2,800 $0.4144
300
AMP
1,600 $0.1012 3,600 $0.1517 6,160 $0.2345 6,160 $0.4144
400
AMP
1,600 $0.1012 3,600 $0.1517 6,160 $0.2345 6,160 $0.4144
600
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
800
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
1000
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
1200
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
1400
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
1600
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
1800
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
2000
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
2200
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
2400
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
2600
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
2800
AMP
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
3000
AMP
and
above
2,800 $0.1012 5,440 $0.1517 8,800 $0.2345 8,800 $0.4144
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(c)Effective January 1, 2022, all electric accounts that service five (5) or more individual units shall be
considered a small commercial customer and shall have rates associated with a small commercial account
rather than a residential account. All commercial accounts that do not meet the requirements for large
commercial designation shall be considered small commercial accounts, which includes previous class of
small commercial city facilities customers.
(d)In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, the
small commercial customer shall pay the sum of the metered use of electric energy measured in kilowatt-
hours (kWh) during the department's monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the appropriate service rate
as follows:
AMP
Size
Usage
Up To
Per
KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To
Per
KWh
Additional
Usage Up
To
Per
KWh
Remaining
Usage
Over
Per
KWh
100
AMP
880 $0.1122 2320 $0.1403 4800 $0.2105 4800 $0.3368
200
AMP
1280 $0.1122 3120 $0.1403 5760 $0.2105 5760 $0.3368
300
AMP
3360 $0.1122 7120 $0.1403 12240 $0.2105 12240 $0.3368
400
AMP
3360 $0.1122 7120 $0.1403 12240 $0.2105 12240 $0.3368
600
AMP
6560 $0.1122 13200 $0.1403 18400 $0.2105 18400 $0.3368
800
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
1000
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
1200
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
1400
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
1600
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
1800
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
2000
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
2200
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
2400
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
2600
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
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2800
AMP
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
3000
AMP
and
above
13600 $0.1122 28000 $0.1403 44800 $0.2105 44800 $0.3368
(e)In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, the
large commercial customer, which includes previous class of large commercial city facilities customers and
current and future Electric Vehicle charging stations, (with operable demand metering systems in place and
measured usage of forty (40) kW and greater) shall pay the sum of the metered use of electric energy
measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the department's monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the
appropriate service rate as follows, plus a demand charge per kW of metered customer peak usage for that
meter reading cycle. To qualify for the large commercial rate, accounts must meet or exceed forty (40) kW
peak monthly demand a minimum of twelve (12) out of twelve (12) months in both of the last two (2) years.
AMP Size Usage
Up To
Per KWh Remaining
Usage Over
Per KWh Demand Charge
on Customer
Peak kW
100 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
200 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
300 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
400 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
600 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
800 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
1000 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
1200 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
1400 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
1600 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
1800 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
2000 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
2200 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
2400 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
2600 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
2800 AMP 23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
3000 AMP and
above
23200 $0.0773 23200 $0.0966 $23.38
(f)In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, an
alternative customer rate shall be available for new deed-restricted, residential properties with electric heat
and built-in compliance with International Energy Conservation Codes 2015 edition as stated in Municipal
Code 8.46 including amendments as stated in Ordinance 40, Series of 2016. This rate will only be applied to
deed-restricted residential electric accounts that have been reviewed and approved as a qualifying
residential property by the Utilities Director. This rate shall be the sum of the metered use of electric energy
measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the department's monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the
appropriate service rate as follows:
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AMP Size Usage Up
To
Per KWh Additional
Usage Up
To
Per KWh Additional
Usage Up
To
Per KWh Remaining
Usage
Over
Per KWh
100 AMP 520 0.1012 1404 0.1517 2450 0.2345 2,451 0.4144
200 AMP 1050 0.1012 2750 0.1517 3900 0.2345 3,901 0.4144
(g)In addition to the monthly customer availability charge, and effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, an
alternative customer rate shall be available for new, all-electric residential properties. This rate shall be
available for all electric residential properties with new or upgraded construction that complies with the
International Energy Conservation Code 2021 edition as stated in Municipal Code 8.46, including
amendments as stated in Ordinance 1, Series of 2023. This rate will only be applied to residential electric
accounts that have been reviewed and approved as a qualifying property by the Utilities Director. This rate
shall be the sum of the metered use of electric energy measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the
department's monthly meter reading cycle multiplied by the appropriate service rate as follows:
(1)Residential all-electric monthly kWh rate:
AMP
Size
Usage
Up To
Per KWh >Additional
Usage Up
To
Per KWh Additional
Usage Up
To
Per KWh Remaining
Usage Over
Per KWh
100
AMP
460 $0.1012 1,242 $0.1517 2,208 $0.2345 2,208 $0.4144
200
AMP
598 $0.1012 1,564 $0.1517 3,220 $0.2345 3,220 $0.4144
300
AMP
1,840 $0.1012 4,140 $0.1517 7,084 $0.2345 7,084 $0.4144
400
AMP
1,840 $0.1012 4,140 $0.1517 7,084 $0.2345 7,084 $0.4144
600
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
800
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
1000
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
1200
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
1400
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
1600
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
1800
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
2000
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
2200
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
2400
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
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2600
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
2800
AMP
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
3000
AMP
and
above
3,220 $0.1012 6,256 $0.1517 10,120 $0.2345 10,120 $0.4144
(Code 1971, § 23-18.1; Ord. No. 42-1984, § 1; Ord. No. 76-1992, § 1; Ord. No. 36-1996, § 1; Ord. No. 41-2004, § 1;
Ord. No. 7-2006, § 1; Ord. No. 37-2008; Ord. No 29-2011; Ord. No. 36-2011; Ord. No. 37-2014, § 1; Ord. No. 44-
2015, Ord. No. 38-2016, Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020,
§ 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-
28-2023)
Sec. 25.04.045. Late payment charge.
(a) Payments for electric service, transformers and other associated electric fees and charges shall be due on
the 25th of the following month after the billed date. Any amount due, but not received by the City by the
due date, shall be subject to a past due monthly interest charge of three percent (3%) of the total amount
due; subject, however, to a minimum charge of three dollars ($3.00).
(b) Utility customers shall notify the Utility Department of any change in mailing and contact information
associated with their account within thirty (30) days of the change. Failure to provide the Utility
Department with accurate contact information shall not exempt the customer from compliance with this
Title or any City Utility rules and regulations, or fees and penalties accessed by the Utility, including late
fees.
(Ord. 36-1996, §§ 2, 3; Ord. No. 45-1999, § 16 (part); Ord. No. 30-2012 § 29, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 17-2020, §
1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.04.110. Deposit for electric service.
(a)When a tenant applies for electric service at a new location, the applicant shall be required to place a cash
deposit in the following manner:
Residential service: two hundred dollars ($200.00).
Commercial service:
(1)An amount equal to the service bills for the subject property for the three (3) highest months of usage
during the prior year, if the applied-for use of the property is similar to the prior use; or
(2)If there is no similar prior space or use on which to compute the amount provided in Subsection (a)(1)
above, then an amount to be determined by the Utilities Director within his or her sole discretion and
based on a reasonable estimate of three (3) months' service for a space and use similar to the subject
property.
(b)Subject to the approval of the Utilities Director based on previous credit history with the City of Aspen
Utilities, the owner of the premises on which the electricity is used may approve waiver of their tenant's
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deposit requirement. To request approval of the Utilities Director, the owner must complete an application
which informs the owner of the possibility of a lien upon the premises for unpaid bills, pursuant to Section
25.04.090 above.
(1)Deposits shall be held by the Director of Finance until service is discontinued and final service bills paid
and will accrue interest at five percent (5%) per annum starting thirty (30) days after receipt of the
monies until the date of disconnection. Return of the unused portion of the deposit plus interest will
be made within forty-five (45) days from date the final bill is issued. Effective January 1, 2013 no
deposit will accrue interest.
(Code 1971, § 23-25; Ord. No. 28-1982, § 1; Ord. No. 68-1994, § 14; Ord. No. 57-2000, § 7; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 37;
Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020)
Sec. 25.04.120. Electric service and disconnect charges.
A service charge of forty dollars ($40.00) is hereby established for each new account that is setup for electric
service. If a disconnection is made in accordance with Section 25.04.080 above because of nonpayment of electric
service charges, the disconnect charge of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) shall be due prior to reconnection of
electric service.
(Code 1971, § 23-26; Ord. No. 53-1992, § 2; Ord. No. 45-1999, § 15; Ord. No 37-2014 § 2; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1,
11-24-2020)
Sec. 25.08.060. Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply under this Chapter concerning water service:
Annual water budget means those direct and indirect expenditures and costs, including debt service,
required to provide water service in the coming year, as documented in the annual budget.
Building permit or plumbing permit means the permit or permits issued pursuant to Title 8 of this Code or by
Pitkin County, Colorado pursuant to County building regulations.
Carriage of untreated water rights means those rights held by a water user other than the City of Aspen and
conveyed through a ditch, pipeline or other series of water conveyance facilities owned and/or operated by the
City of Aspen. Rates charged for conveyance of this water are referred to as "carriage" rates for raw water.
Comprehensive water management plan means the comprehensive water management plan for the City as
initially prepared and adopted in 1980 and as thereafter revised and updated.
Director of water treatment and supply, Director, Water Superintendent or Superintendent, Director of
Utilities means the Director of the City of Aspen Water Utility, who, under the direction of the City Manager, has
charge of all facilities of the Aspen water utility and has the duty to supervise the utility and to maintain and
control the same.
Equivalent capacity unit (ECU) means a unit reflecting that part of the capacity of the water system necessary
to serve a standard water customer, with multiples or fractions of the unit including a maximum number and type
of water fixtures, a maximum irrigated area, certain cooking facilities or other water demand factors.
Hook-up charge means a charge based on a new customer's line size to recover certain costs of making a
physical connection to the water system.
Payment in lieu of water rights dedication is a payment that the City, in its sole discretion, may accept in lieu
of a water rights dedication from a party seeking extraterritorial water service, in an amount determined by the
City, in its sole discretion, to be reasonably necessary to purchase and change water rights, or otherwise acquire
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water rights and supplies of sufficient quantity and seniority, at an appropriate location, to reliably provide water
for the proposed water demands of the project.
Temporary irrigation is temporarily installed irrigation on grade for the sole purpose of low water use and
drought tolerant plant establishment pursuant to the terms set forth in a City of Aspen Temporary Irrigation Water
Service Agreement.
Utility connection permit means permission by the City to physically connect to the water system or to
change the use of any existing connection and any additional contractual terms which may be imposed.
Utility investment charge means a charge to recover certain capital costs allocated to new customers which
charge is based on a new customer's ECU rating and billing area factor.
Water demand factor or fixture means any of the water demand factors or fixtures set forth in Subsections
25.08.090(a) or (b) below.
Water Department means the department of the City under the supervision of the Director of Utilities.
Water feature is defined as a design element in which open water serves primarily an aesthetic or decorative
beneficial use. Water features include, but are not limited to ponds, lakes, waterfalls, jets, fountains, artificial
streams, water stairs, infinity pools, or cascades wherein potable water is artificially supplied to create or operate
the feature. Water features do not include swimming pools or hot tubs. No outdoor water features will be allowed
on Aspen Water utility accounts effective January 1, 2022.
Water rights dedication is a dedication required by any party seeking extraterritorial water service from the
City of water rights acceptable to the City. "Water rights acceptable to the City" shall mean such water rights as are
determined by the Water Department, in its sole discretion, to be sufficient in quantity, seniority and location, to
reliably provide for the proposed water demands of the project, as well as water rights historically used on the
property to be served.
Water service billing area,billing area or area of water service billing means an area established by the City
Water Department for purposes of calculating and assessing tap and/or other water service fees. The designation
of a water service billing area as provided for in this Title shall not be construed as an offer, obligation, exclusive
right, willingness, or ability to serve any customer, prospective customer or geographical area with municipal
water or water services.
Water service or utility service means any connection to the water system and shall include but is not limited
to all requirements service, irrigation only, fire protection only and irrigation and fire protection only service.
Water system, City water system, water utility, municipal utility system, municipal water utility system or City
water utility means the City water utility as defined in Section 25.08.010.
Well development charge recovers the capital costs of development groundwater sources capable of being
integrated into the potable water supply system by any party seeking extraterritorial water service from the City.
(Code 1971, § 23-41; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 39-1993, § 1; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 1; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-
26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.08.090. Equivalent capacity units.
(a)All water service shall be rated by the Water Department in accordance with the following table:
(1)LONG-TERM RESIDENTIAL (Occupancy extending more than one (1) month):
ECU
1st full bath 0.36
2nd full bath 0.24
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Each additional full bath 0.12
Each kitchen (full cooking facilities) 0.25
Each kitchenette (modest cooking facilities) 0.15
Each bedroom 0.10
(2)LODGING BEDROOMS (Occupancy per person extending less than one (1) month):
ECU
Each bedroom with no bath or cooking
facilities, but with dormitory style bathrooms
in hallways
0.45
Each bedroom with no bath, but with modest
cooking facilities and dormitory style
bathrooms in hallways
0.60
Each bedroom with full bath but no cooking
facilities
0.55
Each bedroom with full bath and wet bar
(microwave and under the counter icebox)
0.65
Each bedroom with full bath and modest
cooking facilities
0.70
(3)SHORT- OR MIXED-TERM RESIDENTIAL (Occupancy per person extending less than one (1) month):
ECU
Each full bath 0.36
Each kitchen (full cooking facilities) 0.25
Each bedroom 0.30
(4)RESTAURANTS: Each seat: 0.07 ECU.
(5)NONPROFIT CAFETERIA (including school cafeterias): Each seat: 0.048 ECU 1st 25/0.024 ECU thereafter.
(6)OFFICE SPACE: Each one hundred (100) square feet: 0.02 ECU.
(7)RETAIL SPACE: Each one hundred (100) square feet: 0.01 ECU.
(8)COMMERCIAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES: Each customer: 0.04 ECU.
(9)NONPROFIT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (including school gyms): Each customer/pupil: 0.02 ECU.
(10) THEATERS, AUDITORIUMS, CONVENTION HALLS AND ASSEMBLY PLACES: Each ten (10) seats: 0.080 ECU
year-round/0.048 ECU summer.
(11) SCHOOL ROOMS (not including cafeteria, kitchens, gyms, auditoriums, and administrative office space):
Each pupil: 0.02 ECU per maximum capacity.
(12) WAREHOUSE OR INDUSTRIAL SPACE: Each one thousand (1,000) square feet: 0.12 ECU.
(13) GAS STATIONS: Each service or lubrication bay: 0.25 ECU.
(14) CAR WASHES: Each manual washing bay: 0.95 ECU/each automatic washing bay: 1.45 ECU.
(15) HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES, SANITARIUMS, AND DETENTION CENTERS: Each bed: 0.50 ECU.
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(b)The Water Department shall establish fixture or irrigated area maximums for all ECU ratings under
Subsection (a). For all fixtures or irrigated area in excess of said maximums, the Water Department shall
increase the ECU rating in accordance with the following table:
ECU
Toilet/urinal 0.05
Mop/laundry sink (per compartment) 0.05
Kitchen sink (per compartment) 0.05
Lavatory sink (per compartment) 0.02
Combo toilets (toilet/bidet, toilet/lav) 0.07
Bar sink (per compartment) 0.05
Garbage disposal 0.05
Household dishwasher 0.10
Commercial dishwasher (per ⅛" of supply line diameter) 0.10
Dishwasher drawer (single) 0.05
Steamer oven 0.05
Household clothes washer 0.10
Commercial clothes washer (per ⅛" of supply line diameter) 0.10
Commercial icemaker (per ⅛" of supply line diameter) 0.05
Steam room 0.08
Water bottle fill station 0.05
Whole home humidifier 0.30
Single room humidifier 0.05
Coffee urn 0.05
Tub/shower (combined or separate) 0.05
Bidet 0.05
Wet saunas 0.08
Room humidifier 0.05
Jacuzzi/spa (per 100 gal. of capacity) 0.02
Plunge pool (per 100 gal. of capacity) 0.02
Swimming pool (per 1,000 gal. of capacity): 0.02
Industrial process or wastewater (not served by sanitary sewer):
Each 1,000 gallons per day for non-consumptive use 1.50
Each 1,000 gallons per day for consumptive use 3.90
Fountains:
Non-continuous drinking 0.05
Continuous drinking 0.50
Non-recycling decorative 0.50
Recycling decorative 0.10
Water softener (per ECU):
Residential 0.02
Commercial 0.01
Fire protection sprinkler heads 0.00
1st Hose bib 0.20
2nd Hose bib 0.10
Additional Hose bib(s) 0.05
Overhead Spray Irrigation 0.01/100 sq. ft.
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Bubbler Irrigation 0.005/100 sq. ft.
Drip Emitter Irrigation 0.001/100 sq. ft.
Recirculating Water Feature (Pre-existing Only) 0.10
(c)No outdoor water features will be allowed on Aspen Water utility accounts effective January 1, 2022. A
water feature is defined as a design element in which open water serves primarily an aesthetic or decorative
beneficial use. Water features include, but are not limited to: ponds, lakes, waterfalls, jets, fountains,
artificial streams, water stairs, infinity pools, or cascades wherein potable water is artificially supplied to
create or operate the feature. Water features do not include swimming pools or hot tubs.
(d)Effective January 1, 2023, single family residential water accounts being served or requesting city treated
water will be eligible for a maximum of 4.0 Equivalent Capacity Units (ECUs), per account/parcel.
(e)In the event that the water service cannot be adequately rated under the tables in Subsections (a) and (b) or
if there are unusual or special circumstances warranting a special ECU rating, the service may be rated as
determined by the Water Department at the customer's expense. The Water Department may also adjust
the ECU rating of any water service if the metered demand of such service differs substantially from the ECU
rating under Subsections (a) and (b).
In no event shall the ECU rating be less than the following minimums:
Line Size Minimum ECU Rating
¾" 1.0
1" 2.0
1¼" 3.0
1½" 4.0
2" 8.0
4" 20.0
6" 30.0
8" 60.0
For line sizes larger than six (6) inches, the minimum ECU rating shall be determined by the Water
Department after consultation with the City Manager.
(f)The ECU rating per customer pursuant to Subsections (a), (b), (c) or (e) shall be applied in calculating utility
investment charges under Section 25.12.040 and in calculating monthly demand, extraordinary water use,
and fire protection charges under Sections 25.16.010 and 25.16.020.
(g)Commercial agricultural uses shall be limited to a maximum of one (1) ECU of potable water without the
prior express written consent of the City Manager.
(Code 1971, § 23-44; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 36-1995, § 1; Ord. No. 43-1996, § 16; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 4;
Ord. No. 15-2019, § 2, 6-24-2019; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No.
20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
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Sec. 25.12.020. Application for utility service.
(a)Where both the utility service connection and all points of consumption are within the corporate limits of the
City, this shall be considered to be a utility service within the corporate limits of the City and shall be made as
provided in this Chapter and in accordance with the Aspen Area Community Plan and City Council resolutions
relating to water policies and operating procedures, as such exist at the time of the request for connection.
(b)Every extension of water service where either the utility service connection or any point of consumption is
outside the corporate limits of the City shall be considered an extraterritorial tap and shall be made only
pursuant to agreement with the City, in accordance with the City water main extension policy and consistent
with the Aspen Area Community Plan and City Council resolutions relating to water policy and operating
procedures as such exist at the time of the request for connection, and such extraterritorial service must be
approved by City Council ordinance as required by the Charter. The City shall not be obligated to extend
water service outside the corporate limits of the City and may grant water service only upon a determination
that no conflict exists between the best interests of the City, as expressed in the Aspen Area Community Plan
and as otherwise determined by the City Council and the prospective water use. The City may impose such
contract, water rights dedication, system development fees, and bond requirements as it deems necessary to
safeguard the best interests of the City. An individual extraterritorial connection (including a fire hydrant)
made to an existing City water main, pursuant to Water Department procedures for such connections, is
deemed to be an extraterritorial water connection approved by City Council without the need for further City
Council ordinance. If the City agrees to accept a payment in lieu of water rights dedication, that fee will be
eight thousand two dollars and eighty cents ($8002.80)/ECU commencing January 1, 2025.
(c)Any person who desires to connect to the municipal water utility system or who is already connected to the
municipal water utility system and intends to add or change a water demand factor or fixture shall file an
application for utility service provided in Subsections (e) and (f) of this Section and pay all fees prior to
obtaining a required building or plumbing permit. If no building or plumbing permit is required, the
application shall be made prior to making the connection or to adding or changing the water demand factor
or fixtures. All water development review fees, utility investment charges, system development fees, hook-
up charges, water main extension costs, and water rights dedication or fees in lieu of water rights dedication
shall be due and payable when all city submittal fees are due unless prior written approval is obtained from
the Water Department for a different method of payment.
(d)Persons seeking an alternate method of payment of the assessment fee(s), shall make written application to
the Water Department specifying the method of payment and all related forms. The Water Department
upon review of the application, shall either approve, disapprove, or modify the proposal to satisfy Water
Department needs.
(e)Applications for utility service shall be made in writing to the Water Department on such forms as the Water
Department may prescribe. Except as provided in Subsection (f) of this Section, application must be made by
the owner of the property to be served or his or her duly authorized agent, designating the property, stating
the purpose for which the water may be required and stating the ECU rating associated with such purpose.
(f)Any person not an owner may apply to the Water Department for utility service to property which said
person occupies but does not own. The application shall state the location of the property, the purpose for
which water is required and the interest of the applicant in the property. The Director of Utilities may, in the
exercise of his or her discretion, accept the non-owner application for utility service and may impose such
conditions as it sees fit with regard to the account, including the furnishing of a deposit.
(g)A utility connection application shall be required, utility investment charges shall be assessed and, where
appropriate, water rights dedication (or payment in lieu of water rights dedication) shall be required for any
new or expanded use of water, whether or not such new or expanded use requires a new or enlarged utility
service connection.
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(Code 1971, § 23-56; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 8-1988, § 1; Ord. 39-1993, § 4; Ord. No. 16-1994, §§ 1, 2; Ord.
No. 30-2012 § 6; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-
28-2023)
Sec. 25.12.025. Water development review fee.
(a)All projects on properties within the City of Aspen that require engineering development review or that will
add, change, or remove plumbing fixtures are subject to the utility development review prior to issuance of a
City building permit; All projects on properties outside City of Aspen limits that may change or impact City
water service are subject to the utility development review prior to submittal of a Pitkin County building
permit application.
(b)Applicable review fees and utility investment charges must be paid prior to issuance of a City of Aspen
building permit, and/or prior to submitting an application for a Pitkin County building permit.
(c)If submitting a building permit application to Pitkin County for a project that may change or impact City
water service, the following documents are required for the utility development review: (1) Utility
development review application; (2) relevant building plans, which may include architectural, civil, and/or
water efficient landscape sets; (3) City water service agreement; (4) ECU Calculator.
(d)The water development review fee shall be as set forth in Subsection (e) of the Section.
(e)[Water Development Fees.]
Water Development Review Fees 2025 Rate
Projects with Up To 200 Sq. Ft. of Affected Area $475.00
Projects with 201 to 5,000 Sq. Ft. of Affected Area $2.36/sq. ft.
Projects of 5,001 to 15,000 Sq. Ft. of Affected Area $2.36/sq. ft. for 1st 5,000 sq. ft. + $1.97/sq. ft.
thereafter
Projects with more than 15,000 Sq. Ft. of Affected
Area
$2.36/sq. ft. for 1st 5,000 sq. ft. + $1.97/sq. ft. for next
10,000 sq. ft. + $1.81 sq. ft. thereafter
Project Type Applicability and Calculation
New Construction (including "scrape and replace") or
50% or greater interior alteration.
Fee calculated according to affected area. Affected
area is calculated as square footage of the building
footprint, plus the total square footage of exterior
disturbance. Calculation instructions are set forth in
Section (f), below.
Interior or exterior work that requires a Water review
(Utilities, Engineering-Dev, Engineering-Water, WELS)
or includes adding, removing, or changing any water
fixtures or impacting a component of the ECU table in
Section 25.08.090
Fee calculated according to utility affected area. Utility
affected area is the total square footage of all
rooms/work areas in which water fixtures or
components of ECU table are affected, plus the total
square footage of any water related exterior
disturbance. Calculation instructions are set forth in
Section (g), below.
Interior or exterior work that does not require a Water
review (Utilities, Engineering-Dev, Engineering-Water,
WELS) or includes adding, removing, or changing any
water fixtures or impacting a component of the ECU
table in Section 25.08.090
No Review or Fee Required.
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(f)Calculating affected area for new construction projects—Affected area shall be calculated as follows:
(1)Enter building footprint alteration. Building footprint alteration is defined as a level 2 alteration of work
area within the building.
(2)Enter new square footage. New square footage is the gross floor area being added to the building or
structure as part of the project.
(3)Enter building square footage. Building square footage is the building footprint alteration plus the new
square footage. Add the amounts calculated in Section (1) and Section (2) of this Subsection (f) to
determine building square footage.
(4)Enter square footage of the grade floor area of the project.
(5)Enter net building square footage. Net building square footage is equal to either the building square
footage or the grade floor square footage, whichever is smaller. Enter the smaller of the two (2)
numbers calculated in Section (3) or Section (4) of this Subsection (f) to determine net building square
footage.
(6)Enter the disturbance area. The disturbance area is the exterior area of the building where the ground
is disturbed. This includes soil grading, landscaping, removing impervious area, adding impervious area,
and replacing impervious areas, layback areas, construction access areas and stockpile areas.
(7)Total Affected Area equals the net building square footage plus the disturbance area. To arrive at total
affected area, add the values calculated in Section (5) and Section (6) of Subsection (f) of this Section.
(g)Calculating utility affected area for remodel/renovation/alteration projects—Utility affected area shall be
calculated as follows:
(1)Enter utility building footprint alteration. Utility building footprint alteration is defined as a level 2
alteration of work area within the building in which plumbing fixtures are affected. For example, for an
interior remodel, the utility building footprint alteration is measured by the total square footage of
each room in which plumbing fixtures are added, removed, or otherwise changed.
(2)Enter new square footage. New square footage is the gross floor area being added to the building or
structure as part of the project.
(3)Enter utility building square footage. Utility building square footage is the utility building footprint
alteration plus the new square footage. Add the amounts calculated in Section (1) and Section (2) of
this Subsection (g) to determine utility building square footage.
(4)Enter square footage of the grade floor area of the project.
(5)Enter net utility building square footage. Net utility building square footage is equal to either the utility
building square footage or the grade floor square footage, whichever is smaller. Enter the smaller of
the two (2) numbers calculated in Section (3) or Section (4) of this Subsection (g) to determine net
utility building square footage.
(6)Enter the disturbance area. The disturbance area is the exterior area of the building where the ground
is disturbed. This includes soil grading, landscaping, removing impervious area, adding impervious area,
and replacing impervious areas, layback areas, construction access areas and stockpile areas.
(7)Total Utility Affected Area equals the net utility building square footage plus the disturbance area. To
arrive at total utility affected area, add the values calculated in Section (5) and Section (6) of
Subsection (g) of this Section.
(h)Definitions:
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(1)Building footprint alteration square footage is the work area portions of an existing building
undergoing reconfiguration of space, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation
of any additional equipment.
(2)Utility building footprint alteration square footage is the total area of rooms within the building in
which any plumbing fixtures are affected. For example, for an interior remodel, the utility building
footprint alteration is measured by the square footage of each room in which plumbing fixtures are
added, removed, or otherwise changed.
(3)New square footage is measured within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the new addition
under consideration, without deduction for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness of
interior walls, columns, or other features. New square footage includes the exterior usable area under
the horizontal project of the roof or floor above not surrounded by exterior walls.
(4)Building square footage includes both the building footprint alteration square footage and the new
square footage.
(5)Utility building square footage includes both the utility building footprint alteration square footage and
the new square footage.
(6)Grade floor area is measured within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of a building, without
deduction for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns, or other
features. Grade floor area includes the exterior usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof
or floor above not surrounded by exterior walls.
(7)Net building square footage includes both the building footprint alteration square footage and the new
square footage; however, the total shall not exceed the area of the grade floor area of the complete
new building.
(8)Net utility building square footage includes both the utility building footprint alteration square footage
and the new square footage; however, the total shall not exceed the area of the grade floor area of the
complete new building.
(9)Disturbance area is defined by exterior area of the building where the ground is disturbed. This
includes, but is not limited to, soil grading, landscaping, removing impervious area, adding impervious
area, replacing impervious area, layback areas, construction access areas, and stockpile areas.
(10) Affected area is the net building square footage plus the disturbance area, with the net building square
footage equaling the smaller of either the building footprint alteration plus the new square footage or
the grade floor square footage.
(11) Utility affected area is the net utility building square footage plus the disturbance area, with the net
utility building square footage equaling the smaller of either the utility building footprint alteration plus
the new square footage or the grade floor square footage.
(Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord.
No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.12.040. Utility investment charges.
(a)The utility investment charge per each equivalent capacity unit (ECU) for each billing area shall be as set
forth in Subsection (d) of this Section.
(b)The total utility investment charge for a customer shall be the customer's ECU rating multiplied by the charge
in Subsection (d).
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(c)Before any water is furnished, pursuant to a utility connection application and permit, Water Department
personnel shall inspect the property designated on the application and shall certify on the application that
the ECU rating on the application equals the ECU rating for the property as developed. Prior to inspection,
water may only be furnished to the property for construction purposes upon proper payment therefor. If the
ECU rating for the property as developed is less than the ECU rating on the application, the applicant shall be
entitled to a refund of any overpayment of the total utility investment charge, but no refund shall be made
of any utility hookup charge or of any water main extension costs, water rights dedication fees, interest on
any overpayment or other connection costs because of a reduced ECU rating. If the ECU rating of the
developed property is greater than the ECU rating on the application and no larger or additional connections
are made, no water shall be furnished until the deficit in the total utility investment charge has been paid. If
a larger or additional connection is made, no water shall be furnished until the deficits in the total utility
investment charge, the utility hookup charge and all other applicable charges and fees, have been paid. In
every case, the Utility Connection Permit shall be amended as necessary to reflect the final ECU rating for the
property, and the connections.
(d)Utility investment charges (tap fees) are computed as follows:
(1)For the purpose of utility investment charge computation, the following fees shall be assessed per ECU
effective January 1, 2025:
Billing Area 2025 Charges per ECU
Billing Area 1 $13,020
Billing Area 2 $26,041
Billing Area 3 $26,041
Billing Area 4 $16,275
Billing Area 5 $22,786
Billing Area 6 $26,041
Billing Area 7 $19,530
Billing Area 8 Reserved
The total utility investment charge shall be the utility investment charge per ECU multiplied by the number of ECU
points for the utility connection applied for by the applicant.
(e)System development charges recommended by the Water Department may be authorized from time to time
by the City Council. System development charges are fees intended to provide for additional water system
development that is intended to enhance the reliability of City water service to all customers, and may
include, for example, well system development fees or plant investment fees. Effective January 1, 2025, Well
System Development fees that be calculated at a rate of one thousand nine hundred ninety-two dollars and
sixty cents ($1,992.60)/ECU.
(Code 1971, § 23-58; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 54-1986, § 1; Ord. No. 34-1988, § 6; Ord. No. 19-1990, § 3;
Ord. No. 39-1993, § 5; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 8; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-
2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, §
1, 11-28-2023; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.12.060. Utility hookup charge.
(a)A utility hookup charge shall be paid to the City to recover the cost of labor and equipment required to make
a tap. Effective January 1, 2025, the utility hookup charge shall be as follows:
Line Size 2025 Charges
3/4" $2,200.00
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1" $2,700.00
1.5" $3,200.00
2" $5,500.00
4" $7,500.00
6" $9,500.00
8" $11,500.00
(b)In addition to the costs listed above, the cost of the corporation stop, and other materials used in making the
tap shall be charged at the actual cost of materials plus a twenty-five percent (25%) handling and stocking
charge. The cost of the installation of the corporation stop shall also be included. The water user shall furnish
and pay for all other materials, labor and all expenses in and about the making of all connections with the
main, including all costs of the service lines and meter installations, except for the specific costs included in
the utility hookup charge in this Section.
(c)If warranted by unusual or special circumstances, the Water Department may impose special utility hookup
charges.
(Code 1971, § 23-58; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 54-1986, § 1; Ord. No. 34-1988, § 6; Ord. No. 19-1990, § 3;
Ord. No. 39-1993, § 5; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 9; Ord. No. 30-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-
2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021)
Sec. 25.12.090. Requirements for service pipes; location of curb stops.
(a)All water service lines shall be laid at least seven (7) feet below the existing grade of the street or ground.
(b)No service line shall be covered prior to inspection and approval by the Water Department.
(c)All service lines shall have a copper thaw wire of not less than number four (4) gauge installed between the
corporation stop and the point of entry to the building in such manner so as to provide an electrical circuit
through the service line.
(d)No connection inserted in or connected with the service line shall have an inside diameter of less than three-
quarters (¾) of an inch and every tap shall be made of brass. The service line shall be of heavy serviceable
copper; provided that a substitute material may be permitted by the Water Department, in its sole
discretion, on written request. The service line shall extend from the main to the outside line of the sidewalk
at which point shall be placed a curb stop with cover and in case the point of delivery is such that there is no
sidewalk or if it be in an alley, then the curb stop shall be placed just outside the lot line or at such point as
the Water Department shall direct, so that the same shall be accessible to the Water Department for the
purpose of turning on or shutting off water without entering on private premises.
(e)Water service line bypass piping around existing or future water meters shall be accepted on a limited case-
by-case basis and can only be implemented if a water customer has received prior written approval from the
Aspen Water department utility. Bypass piping materials and configuration, if pre-approved, shall be
installed in accordance with the latest edition of the City of Aspen Water Department Distribution Standards.
(f)All inactive city water accounts with pretaps must abandon their pretapped water service line and retap a
new water service line prior to activation and acceptance of property's Aspen water service. Exceptions may
be granted in cases where the account owner can prove, to the satisfaction of the Water Distribution
Superintendent, that the pretap meets the minimum requirements of the latest edition of the City of Aspen
Water Distribution Standards.
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(Code 1971, § 23-64; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 12; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-
2020)
Sec. 25.16.010. Monthly rates for metered water service.
All metered water accounts except temporary construction, grandfathered-in, and pre-tap customer
accounts shall pay on a monthly basis the sum of charges one (1) through four (4) that follow:
(a)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all metered accounts shall pay a monthly demand charge
per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $7.14
2 2.00 $14.28
3 2.00 $14.28
4 1.25 $8.93
5 1.75 $12.50
6 2.00 $14.28
7 1.50 $10.71
(b)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all metered accounts shall pay a monthly variable charge
per ECU as follows:
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Remaining
Usage Per
ECU Over
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
4,000 $3.97 10,000 $5.09 14,000 $7.29 14,000 $16.41
(c)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all metered accounts within service area pumped zones
shall pay a monthly pumping charge per one thousand (1,000) gallons as follows:
# of Pumps Rate Per 1,000 Gallons Pumped
1 $3.53
2 $7.06
3 $10.59
(d)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all metered accounts shall pay a monthly fire protection
charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $5.20
2 2.00 $10.40
3 2.00 $10.40
4 1.25 $6.50
5 1.75 $9.10
6 2.00 $10.40
7 1.50 $7.80
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(Code 1971, § 23-101; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 48-1986, § 1[A]; Ord. No. 51-1987, § 1; Ord. No. 18-1988, §
1; Ord. No. 34-1988, § 1; Ord. No. 19-1990, § 2; Ord. No. 39-1993, § 6; Ord. No. 45-1999, § 16; Ord. No. 41-2004, §
2 [part]; Ord. No. 7-2006, § 2; Ord. No. 35-2011, § 2; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 20; Ord. No 38-2014, § 1; Ord. No 45-2015
§ 1; Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, §
1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-
2023)
Sec. 25.16.011. Bulk rates for metered water service.
(a)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, the bulk water sales rate and two-tier structure for Buttermilk
Metro District will be:
Monthly Block Tiers in Per
1,000 Gallons
Rate Per 1,000
Gallons
First 2,940,000 gallons $6.15
Over 2,940,000 gallons $14.43
(b)Effective January 1, 2025, the demand charge per fill up for fill station water sales pursuant to Subsection
25.08.020(e) shall be thirty-six dollars and seventy-five cents ($36.75) per day.
(c)Effective January 1, 2025, the variable charge for fill station bulk water sales pursuant to Subsection
25.08.020(e) shall be twenty-one dollars and fifty-five cents ($21.55) per one thousand (1,000) gallons. Bulk
water charges for service line and mainline leaks/breaks created by non-Utility Department staff will be
charged at a rate of twenty-three dollars and ten cents ($23.10) per one thousand (1,000) gallons in areas
that are gravity feed, thirty-three dollars ($33.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons in water service areas
that are in a one-pump zone; and, thirty-eight dollars and fifty cents ($38.50) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons in areas that are in a two-pump zone.
(Ord. No. 45-2015; Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1,
11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-
2023)
Sec. 25.16.012. Raw water rates for general raw water accounts.
(a)The raw water rates for non-pressurized raw water irrigation accounts for unmetered service on a per
thousand (1,000) irrigated square foot basis to be billed prospectively on an annual basis at the start of each
irrigation season are as follows:
(b)Effective January 1, 2025, the non-pressurized raw water rate per irrigation season is as follows:
Non-Pressurized Raw Water 2025 Rate
Per 1,000 Sq. Ft. $51.91
(c)Carriage rates for raw water (refer to "Definitions" section), shall be the same as set forward in Paragraph (d)
below except where a valid contract for conveyance of the customer's own water rights provides for a
different rate.
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(d)A one-time application and processing fee is due for each Raw Water License Agreement when a new, fully
executed agreement has been signed by the owner and a City of Aspen Utilities representative. As of January
1, 2024, the one-time application and processing fee is one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00).
(e)It shall be unlawful for any person to pump or convey water from the raw water ditches without a valid raw
water license agreement. Any persons doing so will be subject to a penalty of five hundred dollars ($500.00)
for the first offense, one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the second offense and one thousand five hundred
dollars ($1,500.00) for each additional offense.
(Ord. No. 41-2004, § 5; Ord. No. 35-2011, § 3;Ord. No. 30-2012 § 23; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No.
27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-
2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.013. Raw water rates for Thomas Raw Water and other pressurized non-potable
line accounts.
(a)Raw water rates for accounts using the Thomas Raw Water line or any other pressurized, non-potable water
line accounts (including reclaimed water) shall be set in accordance with methods established for cost
recover recommendations by the American Water Works Association.
(b)Where specific rates are established by a valid contract for raw water service and such rates result in a lower
cost of service than that provided in Subsection 25.16.012(a), the contractual rate will prevail.
(c)All water use from the system requires the installation of an operable water meter. Such uses in place prior
to 2009 shall install an operable water meter no later than January 20, 2009.
(d)Provisions for billing are as follows: All pressurized raw water accounts shall have a working meter at the
beginning of each irrigation season, no later than April 15th.
(1)Effective January 1, 2025, metered rates for pressurized raw water accounts for seasonal delivery of
non-potable water is as follows:
Metered Pressurized Raw Water - Billing to Occur Monthly - May
through October
2025 Rate
Per 1,000 Gallons $6.01
(2)If the raw water meter required in paragraph (c) above ceases to function properly during the irrigation
season, a seasonal bulk water delivery rate has been established as the basis for billing the non-potable
pressurized water delivery. Effective January 1, 2025, the unmetered, pressurized raw water rate for
seasonal delivery of non-potable water is as follows:
Unmetered Pressurized Raw Water - Billing to Occur Monthly - May
through October
2025 Rate
Seasonal Rate Per 1,000 Sq. Ft. $211.95
Monthly Rate Per 1,000 Sq. Ft. - Based on 6-Month Irrigation Season $35.32
(e)Carriage rates for raw water, (see "Definitions" section), shall be the same as those in Paragraph (d)(1)
except where a valid contract provides for alternate method and procedures for billing.
(f)It shall be unlawful for any person to pump or convey water from the raw water ditches without a valid raw
water license agreement. Any persons doing so will be subject to a penalty of five hundred dollars ($500.00)
for the first offense, one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the second offense and one thousand five hundred
dollars ($1,500.00) for each additional offense.
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(Ord. No. 41-2004, § 5; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 23; Ord. No. 38-2014 § 3; Ord. No. 45-2015; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No.
28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021;
Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.014. Monthly rates for temporary construction water service.
All temporary construction water accounts shall pay monthly the sum of charges (a) and (b).
(a)Effective in the January 2025 month billing, all temporary construction accounts shall pay a monthly
demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $8.93
2 2.00 $17.85
3 2.00 $17.85
4 1.25 $11.16
5 1.75 $15.62
6 2.00 $17.85
7 1.50 $13.39
(b)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all temporary construction accounts shall pay a monthly
fire protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $5.20
2 2.00 $10.40
3 2.00 $10.40
4 1.25 $6.50
5 1.75 $9.10
6 2.00 $10.40
7 1.50 $7.80
(c)Construction accounts shall pay demand and fire protection charges for a temporary nine-month period.
Variable and pumping charges will be waived for a maximum of nine (9) months, or the duration of the
construction project, whichever is less. Construction account ECU's will be based on information shown on
the building permit and "review" utility connection permit.
(Ord. No. 35-2011 § 4; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 24; Ord. No. 38-2014 § 4; Ord. No. 45-2015; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No.
28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021;
Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.015. Monthly rates for grandfathered-in water service
All grandfathered-in water accounts shall pay monthly the sum of charges one (1) and two (2).
(a)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all grandfathered-in accounts shall pay a monthly
demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
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1 1.00 $7.14
2 2.00 $14.28
3 2.00 $14.28
4 1.25 $8.93
5 1.75 $12.50
6 2.00 $14.28
7 1.50 $10.71
(b)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all grandfathered-in accounts shall pay a monthly fire
protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $5.20
2 2.00 $10.40
3 2.00 $10.40
4 1.25 $6.50
5 1.75 $9.10
6 2.00 $10.40
7 1.50 $7.80
(Ord. No. 35-2011 § 5; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 26; Ord. No. 38-2014 § 5; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No.
27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-
2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.016. Monthly rates for pre-tap water service.
All pre-tap water accounts shall pay the sum of charges one (1) and two (2).
(a)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all pre-tap accounts shall pay a monthly demand charge
per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $7.14
2 2.00 $14.28
3 2.00 $14.28
4 1.25 $8.93
5 1.75 $12.50
6 2.00 $14.28
7 1.50 $10.71
(b)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all pre-tap accounts shall pay a monthly fire protection
charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $5.20
2 2.00 $10.40
3 2.00 $10.40
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4 1.25 $6.50
5 1.75 $9.10
6 2.00 $10.40
7 1.50 $7.80
(Ord. No. 35-2011 § 6; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 26; Ord. No. 38-2014 § 6; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. no.
27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-
2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.020. Monthly rates for unmetered water service.
All unmetered water accounts shall pay the sum of charges one (1) and two (2).
(a)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all unmetered water service accounts shall pay a monthly
demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $127.28
2 2.00 $254.58
3 2.00 $254.58
4 1.25 $159.11
5 1.75 $222.76
6 2.00 $254.58
7 1.50 $190.94
(b)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all unmetered water service accounts shall pay a monthly
fire protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor (Included)Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 $5.20
2 2.00 $10.40
3 2.00 $10.40
4 1.25 $6.50
5 1.75 $9.10
6 2.00 $10.40
7 1.50 $7.80
(Ord. No. 35-2011, § 6; Ord. No. 30-2012 § 27; Ord. No. 38-2014, § 7; Ord. No. 45-2015, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No.
27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No. 17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-
2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.021 Senior Water Rates.
(a)Any qualified senior citizen who so applies shall be entitled to an adjustment in the individual water rates set
forth in Sections 25.16.010 and 25.16.020.
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(b)Qualified senior citizen shall be defined by the Pitkin County Social Services Department in consultation with
the Pitkin County Senior Services Council.
(c)The Utilities Director shall first coordinate with Pitkin County Social Services Department and the Pitkin
County Senior Services Council as necessary to ensure that qualified senior citizens are made aware of their
eligibility for this program and application procedure is conducive to their participation.
(d)A metered residence owned or leased by qualified seniors shall pay on a monthly basis the sum of charges
one (1) through four (4) that follow:
(1)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts shall pay a monthly demand
charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor
(Included)
Percentage of
Regular Metered
Demand
Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 90% $6.43
2 2.00 90% $12.85
3 2.00 90% $12.85
4 1.25 90% $8.03
5 1.75 90% $11.25
6 2.00 90% $12.85
7 1.50 90% $9.64
(2)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts shall pay a monthly variable
charge per ECU as follows:
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Additional
Usage Per
ECU Up
To
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
Remaining
Usage Per
ECU Over
Per 1,000
Gallons
Rate
4,000 $3.97 10,000 $5.09 14,000 $7.29 14,000 $16.41
(3)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts within service area pumped
zones shall pay a monthly pumping charge per one thousand (1,000) gallons as follows:
# of Pumps Rate Per 1,000 Gallons Pumped
1 $3.53
2 $7.06
3 $10.59
(4)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all senior metered accounts shall pay a monthly fire
protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor
(Included)
Percentage of
Regular Metered
Demand
Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 90% $4.68
2 2.00 90% $9.36
3 2.00 90% $9.36
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4 1.25 90% $5.85
5 1.75 90% $8.19
6 2.00 90% $9.36
7 1.50 90% $7.02
(e)An unmetered residence owned or leased by qualified senior citizens shall pay on a monthly basis the sum of
charges one (1) through two (2) that follow:
(1)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all senior unmetered accounts shall pay a monthly
demand charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor
(Included)
Percentage of
Regular Metered
Demand
Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 30% $38.18
2 2.00 30% $76.37
3 2.00 30% $76.37
4 1.25 30% $47.73
5 1.75 30% $66.83
6 2.00 30% $76.37
7 1.50 30% $57.28
(2)Effective in the January 2025 monthly billing, all senior unmetered accounts shall pay a monthly fire
protection charge per ECU as follows:
Billing Area Billing Factor
(Included)
Percentage of
Regular Metered
Demand
Per ECU Rate
1 1.00 30% $1.56
2 2.00 30% $3.12
3 2.00 30% $3.12
4 1.25 30% $1.95
5 1.75 30% $2.73
6 2.00 30% $3.12
7 1.50 30% $2.34
(Code 1971, § 23-102; Ord. No. 27-1985, § 1; Ord. No. 48-1986, § 1(A) (B); Ord. No. 51-1987, § 2; Ord. No. 1-1988;
Ord. No. 8-1990, § 2; Ord. 39-1993, § 7; Ord. No. 35-2011, § 8; Ord. No. 30-2012, § 28; Ord. No. 38-2014, § 8; Ord.
No. 45-2015; Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 27-2017; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 24-2019, § 1, 11-26-2019; Ord. No.
17-2020, § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022; Ord. No. 15-2023,
§ 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.022. Late payment charge.
(a) Payments for water service, utility investment charges, system development charges, hook-up fees, and
utilities review fees shall be due on the 25th of the following month after billed date. Any amount due, but
not received by the City by the due date, shall be subject to a past due monthly interest charge of three
percent (3%) of the total amount due; subject, however, to a minimum charge of three dollars ($3.00).
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(b) Utility customers shall notify the Utility Department of any change in mailing and contact information
associated with their account within thirty (30) days of the change. Failure to provide the Utility
Department with accurate contact information shall not exempt the customer from compliance with this
Title or any City Utility rules and regulations, or fees and penalties accessed by the Utility, including late
fees.
(Ord. 36-1996, §§ 2, 3; Ord. No. 45-1999, § 16 (part); Ord. No. 30-2012 § 29, Ord. No. 38-2016; Ord. No. 17-2020, §
1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Sec. 25.16.035. Backflow prevention and cross-connection control.
(a)The purpose of this backflow prevention and cross-connection control program is to protect the City's water
system from contaminants or pollutants that could enter the distribution system by backflow from a
customer's water supply system through the service connection. As a supplier of public drinking water, the
City of Aspen has the authority to survey all service connections within the City's water distribution system to
determine whether any connection is a cross-connection; to control all service connections within the
distribution system that are cross-connections; to charge a fee for the administration of the cross-connection
control program; to maintain records of surveys and the installation, testing and repair of all backflow
prevention assemblies permitted or required under this program; and to administer, implement and enforce
the provisions of this cross-connection control program.
(b)The provisions of this Section apply to all commercial, industrial, multi-family, and single-family residential
service connections with the City's potable water system.
(c)Definitions:
Active Date means the first day that a backflow prevention assembly or backflow prevention method is used
to control a cross-connection in each calendar year.
Air Gap is a physical separation between the free-flowing discharge end of a potable water supply pipeline
and an open or non-pressure receiving vessel installed in accordance with standard AMSE A112.1.2.
Backflow means the undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases, or
other substances into the public water systems distribution system from any source or sources other than its
intended source.
Backflow Contamination Event means backflow into a public water system from an uncontrolled cross
connection such that the water quality no longer meets the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations or
presents an immediate health and/or safety risk to the public.
Backflow Prevention Assembly means any mechanical assembly installed at a water service line or at a
plumbing fixture to prevent a backflow contamination event, provided that the mechanical assembly is
appropriate for the identified contaminant or pollutant at the cross connection and is an in-line field-testable
assembly.
Backflow Prevention Method means any method and/or non-testable device installed at a water service line
or at a plumbing fixture to prevent a backflow contamination event, provided that the method or non-testable
device is appropriate for the identified contaminant or pollutant at the cross connection.
Certified Cross-Connection Control Technician means a person who possesses a valid Backflow Prevention
Assembly Tester certification from one of the following approved organizations: American Society of Sanitary
Engineering (ASSE) or the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA). If a certification has expired, the
certification is invalid.
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Containment means the installation of a backflow prevention assembly or a backflow prevention method at
any connection to the City's water system that supplies an auxiliary water system, location, facility, or area such
that backflow from a cross connection into the City's water system is prevented.
Containment by Isolation means the installation of backflow prevention assemblies or backflow prevention
methods at all cross connections identified within a customer's water system such that backflow from a cross
connection into the City's water system is prevented.
Controlled means having an appropriate and properly installed, maintained, and tested or inspected
backflow prevention assembly or backflow prevention method that prevents backflow through a cross connection.
Cross Connection means any connection that could allow any water, fluid, or gas such that the water quality
could present an unacceptable health and/or safety risk to the public, to flow from any pipe, plumbing fixture, or a
customer's water system into a public water system's distribution system or any other part of the public water
system through backflow
Multi-Family means a single residential connection to the City water system's distribution system from which
two (2) or more separate dwelling units are supplied water.
Service Connection means any connection of a water supply or premises plumbing system to the City of
Aspen's water distribution or system.
Single-family means:
(1)A single dwelling which is occupied by a single family and is supplied by a separate service line; or
(2)A single dwelling comprised of multiple living units where each living unit is supplied by a separate
service line.
Uncontrolled means not having an appropriate and/or properly installed and maintained and tested or
inspected backflow prevention assembly or backflow prevention method, or the backflow prevention assembly or
backflow prevention method does not prevent backflow through a cross connection.
Water Supply System means a water distribution system, piping, connection fittings, valves and
appurtenances within a building, structure, or premises. Water supply systems are also referred to commonly as
premises plumbing systems.
(d)Requirements:
(1)Commercial, industrial, multi-family, and single-family service connections shall be subject to a survey
for cross connections. If a cross connection has been identified, an appropriate backflow prevention
assembly and or method shall be installed at the customer's water service connection within ninety
(90) days of its discovery. The assembly shall be installed downstream of the water meter or as close to
that location as deemed practical by the public water system. If the assembly or method cannot be
installed within ninety (90) days, the Utilities Department shall take action to control or remove the
cross connection, suspend service to the cross connection, and/or receive an alternative compliance
schedule from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
(2)In no case shall it be permissible to have connections or tees between the meter and the containment
backflow prevention assembly, unless such connections or tees are adequately controlled to achieve
containment by isolation.
a.In instances in which an appropriate backflow preventer cannot be installed to achieve
containment, the property owner must install approved backflow prevention devices or methods
at all cross-connections within the premises plumbing system to achieve containment by
isolation.
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(3)Backflow prevention assemblies and methods shall be installed in a location which provides access for
maintenance, testing, and repair, and in accordance with the guidelines and requirements set forth in
the Plumbing Code currently observed by the City of Aspen.
(4)Reduced pressure principle backflow preventers shall not be installed in a manner or location that is
subject to flooding.
(5)Provisions shall be made to provide adequate drainage from the discharge of water from reduced
pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies. Such discharge shall be conveyed in a manner
which does not impact waters of the state.
(6)All assemblies and methods shall be protected to prevent freezing. Those assemblies and methods
used for seasonal services may be removed upon cessation of those seasonal services in lieu of being
protected from freezing. Any and all assemblies and methods that are removed from seasonal points of
service in lieu of being protected from freezing must be reinstalled and tested by a certified cross
connection control technician prior to recommencing seasonal service.
(7)Where a backflow prevention assembly or method is installed on a water supply system using storage
water heating equipment such that thermal expansion causes an increase in pressure, an approved,
listed, and adequately sized expansion tank or other approved device having a similar function to
control thermal expansion shall be installed.
(8)All backflow prevention assemblies shall be inspected and tested at the time of installation and
inspected and tested at least once annually thereafter. Such tests must be conducted by a Certified
Cross-Connection Control Technician. Backflow Inspectors are required to tag inspected backflow
assemblies indicating date of inspection, a pass/fail designation, and their certification information.
This tag requirement includes PVBs on irrigation systems.
(9)The City Utilities Department shall require inspection, testing, maintenance and as needed repairs and
replacement of all backflow prevention assemblies and methods, and of all required installations
within a customer's premises plumbing system in the cases where containment assemblies and or
methods cannot be installed. City Utilities customers shall be charged up to fifty dollars ($50.00) per
day fee for non-compliant and/or uninspected backflow assemblies past the twelve-month required
inspection date.
(10) All costs for design, installation, maintenance, testing and as needed repair and replacement are to be
borne by the customer.
(11) No grandfather clauses exist except for fire sprinkler systems in which the installation of a backflow
prevention assembly or method will compromise the integrity of the fire sprinkler system.
(12) All building plans for new buildings must be submitted to the City of Aspen Water and Engineering
Departments for review and must be approved by both Departments prior to the provision of water
service. Building plans must show:
a.Water service type, service line size, and location;
b.Water meter size and location;
c.Backflow prevention assembly size, type, and location;
d.Fire sprinkler system type, line size, location, and type of backflow prevention assembly.
(13) All fire sprinkler lines shall have a minimum protection of an approved double check valve assembly for
containment of the system.
(14) All glycol (ethylene or propylene), or antifreeze systems shall have an approved reduced pressure
principle backflow preventer for containment.
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(15) Dry fire systems shall have an approved double check valve assembly installed upstream of the air
pressure valve.
(16) In cases wherein the installation of a backflow prevention assembly or method will compromise the
integrity of the fire sprinkler system, the City Utilities Department can choose to not require the
backflow protection. In such cases, the City Utilities Department will measure chlorine residual at a
location representative of the service connection once a month and perform periodic bacteriological
testing at the site. If the City Utilities Department suspects water quality issues, the Department will
evaluate the practicability of requiring that the fire sprinkler system be flushed periodically and require
such flushing where practicable.
(e)Backflow prevention assemblies or methods shall be tested by a certified cross-connection control technician
upon installation and tested at least once annually thereafter. The tests shall be conducted at the expense of
the customer.
(1)Any backflow prevention assemblies or methods that are non-testable shall be inspected at least once
annually by a certified cross-connection control technician and replaced at least every five (5) years by
a master plumber. The inspections and replacements shall be made at the expense of the customer.
(2)As necessary, backflow prevention assemblies or methods shall be repaired and retested or replaced
and tested at the expense of the customer whenever the assemblies or methods are found to be
defective.
(3)Testing gauges shall be tested and calibrated for accuracy at least once annually.
(f)Reporting and Recordkeeping:
(1)Copies of records of test reports, repairs and retests, or replacements shall be kept by the customer for
a minimum of three (3) years.
(2)Copies of records of test reports, repairs and retests shall be submitted to the Utilities Department by
mail, e-mail, or hand-delivery by the testing company or testing technician.
(3)Information on test reports shall include, but may not be limited to,
a.Assembly or method type
b.Assembly or method location
c.Assembly make, model and serial number
d.Assembly size
e.Test date; and
f.Test results including all results that would justify a pass or fail outcome
g.Certified cross-connection control technician certification agency
h.Technician's certification number
i.Technician's certification expiration date
j.Test kit manufacturer, model, and serial number
k.Test kit calibration date
(4)The Utilities Department must notify the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's
Water Quality Control Division (CDPHE) of any suspected or confirmed backflow contamination event
and consult with the CDPHE on any appropriate corrective measures no later than twenty-four (24)
hours after learning of the backflow contamination event. The Utilities Department shall notify the
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CDPHE within forty-eight (48) hours after it becomes aware of any backflow prevention and cross-
connection control violation or any backflow prevention and cross-connection control treatment
technique violation. The CDPHE shall distribute public notice of violations as specified in and required
by Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation 11.
(g)A properly credentialed representative of the City Utilities Department shall have the right-of-entry to survey
any and all buildings and premises for the presence of cross-connections and/or possible contamination risks
or hazards, and for determining compliance with this Section. This right-of-entry shall be a condition of water
service from the City in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of customers throughout the City's
water distribution system.
(h)Compliance:
(1)Customers shall cooperate with the installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and as needed repair
and replacement of backflow prevention assemblies and with the survey process. For any identified
uncontrolled cross-connections, the Utilities Department shall complete one of the following actions
within ninety (90) days of its discovery:
a.Control the cross connection
b.Remove the cross connection
c.Suspend service to the cross connection
(2)The Utilities Department shall give notice of violation in writing to any owner whose plumbing system
has been found to present a risk to the City's water distribution system through any uncontrolled cross
connection(s). The notice shall state that the owner must install a backflow prevention assembly or
method at each service connection to the owner's premises to achieve containment, or that the owner
must install a backflow prevention assembly on each cross-connection hazard on the premises
plumbing system to achieve containment by isolation. The notice of violation will give a date by which
the owner must comply.
a.In instances in which a backflow prevention assembly or method cannot be installed to achieve
containment, the owner must install approved backflow prevention assemblies or methods at all
cross-connections within the owner's water supply system to achieve containment by isolation.
The notice of violation will give a date by which the owner must comply.
(3)On or before May 1, 2017, and on or before May 1 of each year thereafter, the Utilities Department
shall develop and submit to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment its written
backflow prevention and cross-connection control annual report for the prior calendar year, as
required by Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation 11.
(b) Violations and Penalties:
(1)A violation of any of the provisions of the Code shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable upon
conviction by a fine, imprisonment, or both a fine and improvement, as set forth in Section 1.04.080 of
this Code. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day or portion thereof that the
violation of any of the provisions of this Code occurs or continues unabated after the time limit set for
abatement of the violation.
(2)In addition to penalties set forth in this section, failure to comply with the terms of this Code, including,
but not limited to, failure to pay the necessary fees, charges and taxes, and failure to otherwise comply
with the terms of this Code e shall constitute an offense and a violation thereof. Violation of this Code
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may result in an administrative fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) per day per assembly added as
a fee to the customer’s monthly bill.
(3)Failure of the customer to cooperate in the installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of backflow
prevention assemblies required by these standards shall be grounds for the discontinuation of water
service to the premises or the requirement. treated water service shutoff, and placement onto the
unmetered water rate. Delinquency for each calendar month shall constitute a separate offense.
(3)Service of water to any premises may be discontinued by the Utility Director if unprotected cross-
connections exist on the premises. When a defect is found in an installed backflow prevention
assembly, or if a backflow prevention assembly has been removed or bypassed, the service may be
discontinued. Service shall not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected.
(5)Discontinuation of service may be summary, immediate, and without written notice whenever, in the
sole discretion of the Director, such action is necessary to protect the purity of the public potable
water supply or safety of the water system.
( Ord. No. 38-2016 ; Ord. No. 17-2020 , § 1, 11-24-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021 , § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022 , § 1,
11-29-2022)
Sec. 25.30.030. Applicability.
(a)After June 22, 2017, the City of Aspen Water Efficient Landscaping standards shall apply to the following
projects that use City of Aspen potable water, as well as to Aspen raw water accounts utilizing City-owned
water rights:
(1)Landscaping, grading, installing or disturbing hardscapes, additions to structures, etc. that has a
disturbance area greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet and greater than twenty-five percent
(25%) of the entire lot or parcel.
(2) Permit applications with more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of affected area, which is
defined as the square footage of the building footprint, plus the square footage of exterior disturbance.
(2)All building permits that trigger a "substantial remodel" per Title 25 of the Municipal Code, defined as
the increase by fifty percent (50%) or more in the water using capacity of new water using devices or
`fixtures installed on a property, as measured by the ECU rating of the existing and proposed
structure(s).
(3)All permit applications with internal work only that demolishes greater than 50% of the existing
structure, (based on the entire square footage of rooms where floors, ceilings, or walls are exposed
over the square footage of the structure).
(Ord. No. 18-2002 § 3 [part]; Ord. No. 17-2018; Ord. No. 28-2018; Ord. No. 9-2020, 1-28-2020; Ord. No. 9-
2020, § 1, 1-28-2020; Ord. No. 20-2021, § 1, 11-23-2021; Ord. No. 16-2022, § 1, 11-29-2022)
Sec. 25.30.085. Requirements for temporary irrigation water service agreements.
(a)Temporary Irrigation Water Service Agreements.Based on the terms and conditions of an approved city
water user's Temporary Irrigation Water Service Agreement, the city will provide treated water service
to the subject property for purposes of temporary irrigation of a predetermined amount of irrigated
square feet for a predetermined period of time. The location, amount, plants, specifications, etc. of
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planned temporary irrigation on the subject property will be reviewed and approved prior to executing a
Temporary Irrigation Water Service Agreement. A twenty-five thousand dollar ($25,000.00) deposit from
property owner is also required prior to the city executing a Temporary Irrigation Water Service
Agreement with an existing water customer for a parcel already receiving city water.
(b)Water accounts that have an active Temporary Irrigation Water Service Agreement as of January 1st,
2025, shall be charged a ten dollar ($10.00) monthly fee until such temporary agreement is dissolved.
(Ord. No. 15-2023, § 1, 11-28-2023)
Section 2.
Any and all existing ordinances or parts of ordinances of the City of Aspen covering the same matters as embraced
in this Ordinance are hereby repealed and all ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of
this ordinance are hereby repealed; provided, however, that such repeal shall not affect or prevent the prosecution
or punishment of any person for any act done or committed in violation of any ordinance hereby repealed prior to
the taking effect of this Ordinance.
Section 3.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this
Ordinance. The City of Aspen hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section,
subsection, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses and phrases thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 4.
This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage, adoption and publication thereof as provided by law.
Section 5.
This ordinance shall not affect any existing litigation and shall not operate as an abatement of any action or
proceeding now pending under or by virtue of the ordinance repealed or amended as herein provided, and the same
shall be conducted and concluded under such prior ordinances.
FIRST READING OF THIS ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED, READ, ORDERED AND PUBLISHED as provided by law, by
the City Council of the City of Aspen on the 12th day of November, 2024.
Attest:
Nicole Henning, City Clerk Torre, Mayor
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FINALLY, adopted, passed, and approved this 26th day of November, 2024.
Attest:
Nicole Henning, City Clerk Torre, Mayor
Approved as to form:
James R. True, City Attorney
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