We found the first one for you!
October 6, 2016 VO LUM E 1 2 | IS S U E 1 9
Count the pink ribbons in this week’s paper! Enter your guess online at ArvadaPress.com for a chance to win weekly prizes! Brought to you by
See ad inside for details. Winner will be announced in next week’s paper.
ArvadaPress.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
HAVING A BLAST WITH THE PAST
Water costs could rise for residents of Arvada Average homeowner’s bill would go up by $16.80 annually By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com
West Woods Elementary celebrated its 20th anniversary last week, complete with cake, balloons, and a time capsule opening, courtesy the class of 1996-97. This year’s classes also put together a time capsule for students and teachers to open 20 years from now. For more on the celebration, turn to PAGE 5. Photo by Shanna Fortier
School’s first fall forum has low turnout Board members reach out to community about proposed bond and mill levy ballot measures
By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com Caroline Fuller, whose children attend Wheat Ridge High School, came away from a recent community forum about Jeffco Schools’ proposed bond and tax rate increase still searching for more information. “I’m looking for a reason to feel enthusiastic about 3A and 3B,” she said. “I want to support something for the schools, but I don’t have a warm and fuzzy about it yet.” With just six weeks until decision time, Fuller, like many residents, still are unsure about how to vote. Fewer than 20 people — many of whom were district employees — attended the Sept. 28 meeting at Wheat Ridge High School, the first of five fall community forums with the Jeffco Board of Education to discuss how the $33 million mill levy override and $535 million bond will enhance programming and opportunities for students. The bond is 3A and would provide funds for improvements and repairs to schools. The mill levy override is 3B and would provide funding to attract and retain teachers, mental health staff and help cover state funding gaps. The measures are on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot. Together, they would increase residential taxes by $49.44 a year for every $100,000 in home value. Non-residential properties would pay an additional $180.36 a year for every $100,000 of property value.
Owners of a typical single family home in Arvada will likely have to pay $1.41 more a month — or $16.90 additional a year — for water and sewer services fees in 2017. The average single-family home is considered to be 3.2 people and a yard. And the average single family drinking water bill in Arvada runs about $481 annually and $291 annually for sewage. Jim Sullivan, director of utilities for Arvada, said the average single-family account in Arvada uses 120,000 gallons of water each year for domestic and irrigation purposes and generates 60,000 gallons of sewage. Single-family accounts form the largest customer group in Arvada, using about 60 percent of the water. Arvada City Council heard the proposed rate increases at the Sept. 26 workshop and will discuss the proposals during council meetings on Oct. 3 and Oct. 17, also the date of a public hearing. The rates have been raised every year over the past decade. When taken separately, the proposed increases amount to 2 percent for water and 3 percent for wastewater. A 1.45 percent increase for water tap fees is also proposed. Stormwater and sewer tap fees are not projected to increase, city officials said. The increases are needed because of rising vendor prices, new equipment and materials, and employee salary raises, Sullivan said. Water continues on Page 19
PROPOSED INCREASES AT A GLANCE The average household in Arvada will see: • Water rates increase — $8.52 annually
Ali Lasell, of the Jeffco Board of Education, speaks to residents at Wheat Ridge High School as part of the board’s fall forums to educate the community on ballot issues 3A and 3B. Photo by Shanna Fortier “What we’re asking for is the ability to take control of our own destiny and get some stable funding,” said board member Brad Rupert, who was at the forum with board member Ali Lasell to provide information and answer questions. Some specific bond projects include classroom additions for middle schools related to the proposed shift of sixth grades from elementary to middle schools; and additions and renovations to gyms, weight rooms, turf fields and tennis courts at a number of high schools. “I’m a little concerned about where we’re going because we know there will be more cuts,” Lasell said, adding that Jeffco is one of 11 Denver-metro school Forum continues on Page 10
•Wastewater rate increase — $8.40 annually •Total water and sewar rate increases — $16.92 annually •There is no increase in stormwater fees.
IF YOU GO Monday, Oct. 10, 6-7 p.m. in the Bear Creek High School Library, 9800 W. Dartmouth Place, Lakewood. Presented by board member Amanda Stevens. Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6-7 p.m. at the Columbine High School library, 6201 S. Pierce St., Littleton. Presented by board president Ron Mitchell. Monday, Oct. 17, 6-7 p.m. at the Pomona High School library, 8101 W. Pomona Drive, Arvada. Presented by board members Brad Rupert and Ali Lasell. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m. at the Evergreen Firehouse, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. Presented by board member Susan Harmon.
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Arvada West faces off with Standley Lake on PAGE 22.