At Tuesday night’s regular meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees, the board heard an overview of the very early draft of the town budget, had a lengthy discussion regarding water policy and

Prior to taking up official business, Jeff Mendoza from the Poudre Valley REA briefly spoke before the board and provided a refund check of $5,058.45 to the town for the efficient use of energy.

The board then got a preliminary look at the proposed budget for 2023. Town Administrator Chris Kirk reiterated a point he has made numerous times regarding how the town budgets conservatively but, for 2023 in particular, stated an even more conservative approach particularly in respect to revenue projects has been undertaken.

In light of the economic downturn, the town is “Projecting a 30% decrease in building permit activity, just to be conservative, beyond what we budgeted last year. Every year we’ve generally far exceeded the building permit projections … but as a result of the slowdown in the economy, driven by inflation, higher interest rates, we’re starting to see that slowdown,” Kirk said, adding that in addition to subpar economic conditions, the town has run low on buildable space as most developments currently underway have already remitted their fees and subdivisions are built out.

The board will get a more detailed look at the budget at a meeting on Nov. 8 and, following the presentation, voted unanimously, 7-0, to hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of the budget on Dec. 13. Kirk said that as the town wraps up the details over the next month, most specifically finalizing with the respective department heads regarding their budgetary needs for personnel, equipment and the like, before providing final numbers.

The board then listened to a very lengthy presentation regarding town water policy from town water attorney, Pete Johnson. The presentation, according to the information provided, was to educate new trustees regarding the town’s water policy and solicit feedback for town staff to consider.

In a very brief summation, the town will be able to meet current and expected future water demand requirements; Johnson’s presentation stated Berthoud is in an “excellent position with its water resources. Furthermore, the town has a diverse water rights portfolio and adequate water supply infrastructure for both potable and non-potable water needs as well as the funds to acquire additional rights and facilities. The town has undertaken and will continue to make the most efficient and sustainable use of its current and future water supply.

Finally, the board listened as Town Administrator Chris Kirk provided an overview of the initial proposal for an overall Berthoud metro district policy. Beginning earlier this year, town staff listened to feedback from the prior iteration of the board and later took into consideration additional feedback from new members who joined the board following April’s election.

Kirk, Town Attorney Erin Smith and staff worked to develop a draft policy, working in partnership with Charles Norton, of Norton and Smith, “to develop a Master Intergovernmental Agreement that would be required for Metro Districts, and which incorporates the Town’s policy requirements making them a matter of contract law, according to information provided.”

The draft policy, according to Kirk’s presentation, addressed six key areas of concern expressed by board members, both current and present. The concerns addressed in the draft policy outlined multiple requirements that a proposed metro district must provide to the town board for their approval. A few areas addressed regarded transparency and the approval of mill levies, keeping in mind the state limits debt serving to specific levels.

One part of the proposal would require the district to provide a narrative outlining how said district will provide unique public benefit environmental sustainability, smart growth management and at least two of the following – critical public infrastructure, affordable housing, workforce housing, infill/redevelopment and economic health outcomes.

Under the proposed plan, the district must also provide, as early as possible, resident involvement on the decision-making bodies of the district. Some trustees questioned Kirk and Smith on how such an accommodation could be made, with both stating that homeowners and other parties to the district must take the initiative themselves to become involved.

The proposal was merely a jumping-off point and, as Kirk said, town staff is eager to hear board feedback and adjust the draft policy as requested, as well as answer additional questions should they arise. The goal is to create an all-encompassing plan that can carry the town into the future, providing the town as well as future potential developers with a guideline of requirements specific to Berthoud.

The next regular meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees will take place on Oct. 25.