HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Mail Packet - 2/20/2024 - Council Finance & Audit Committee Hybrid Meeting Agenda – February 23, 2024
Finance Administration
215 N. Mason
2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6788
970.221.6782 - fax
fcgov.com
AGENDA
Council Finance & Audit Committee Hybrid Meeting
February 23, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 pm
CIC Room
Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/8140111859
Approval of Minutes from the December 14, 2023, Council Finance Committee meeting.
1. Scheduling & Chair for 2024-2025 Council Term T. Storin
Discussion: 15 mins.
2. Utility Rate / Debt Forecast L. Smith
Presentation: 20 mins.
Discussion: 40 mins.
3. Laporte Multimodal Grant Match G. Hale
M. Martinez
Presentation: 10 mins.
Discussion: 20 mins.
Page 1 of 210
Council Finance Committee
2024 Agenda Planning Calendar
Revised 02/13/24 ts
Feb. 23rd 2024
Scheduling and Chair for 2024-2025 Council Term 15 min T. Storin
Utility Rate / Debt Forecasts 60 min L. Smith
Laporte Multimodal Grant Match 30 min G. Hale
M. Martinez
March 2024
2024 Reappropriation 15 min L. Pollack
2050 Tax Appropriations for 2024 60 min L. Pollack
EPIC Home Loan Bank Renewal 15 min B. Tholl
G. Pease
Poudre Fire Authority Intergovernmental Agreement 30 min D. Lenz
April 2024
2025-2026 Budget Process Review 30 min L. Pollack
May 2024
Unscheduled Topics
Municipal Court Renovation and 215 N. Mason HVAC Update/Upgrade
September – Annual Adjustment Ordinance – Lawrence Pollack
Page 2 of 210
Page 3 of 210
Finance Administration
215 N. Mason
2nd Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6788
970.221.6782 - fax
fcgov.com
Council Finance Committee Zoom Meeting
December 14, 2023
4:00 - 6:30 pm
Council Attendees: Emily Francis, Kelly Ohlson
Members Absent: Julie Pignataro
Staff: Kelly DiMartino, Tyler Marr, Travis Storin, Jenny Lopez Filkins, Lance Smith,
Marc Virata, Dave Lenz, Randy Reuscher, Dean Klingner, Sheena Freve,
Monica Martinez, Jill Wuertz, Randy Bailey, Renee Reeves, Meaghan Overton,
Jo Cech, Nina Bodenhamer, Jen Poznanovic, Kendall Minor, Victoria Shaw,
Jill Wuertz, Zack Mozer, Carolyn Koontz
Others: Kevin Jones, Chamber
Brian Duffany and Christian Carroll from Economic & Planning Systems;
Colin McAweeney from TischlerBise
Meeting called to order at 4:00 pm
Approval of minutes from October 5, 2023, Council Finance Committee Meeting.
Kelly Ohlson moved for approval of the minutes as presented. Emily Francis seconded the motion.
The minutes were approved unanimously via roll call by; Emily Francis and Kelly Ohlson.
A. Utility Rate / Debt Forecasts
2023 Strategic Financial Plan for the Light & Power Utility
Lance Smith, Utilities Senior Director of Finance
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the Council Finance Committee with an overview of the planning
processes underway within Fort Collins Utilities. This agenda item will focus on the electric utility within the Light
& Power and Telecommunications Enterprise Fund. The Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Enterprise Funds
will be presented for discussion in February 2024. The resulting investment projections set the basis for beginning
the 2025-26 Budgeting For Outcomes (BFO) cycle. The 2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the 2023 Strategic
Financial Plan is outlined here along with the overall 10-year rate projection for Light & Power and associated debt
issuances. Through active management of O&M expenses, gradual, moderate rate adjustments and the issuance
of some debt, the Light & Power Enterprise Fund is expected to be able to meet its operational objectives through
targeted capital investments over the coming decade.
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The electric utility portion of the Light & Power and Telecommunications Enterprise Fund has an increased level
of capital investment primarily driven by the beneficial electrification which may require distribution asset
renewals before the end of those asset’s useful life as well as anticipated new growth and annexations which will
require a new substation and associated equipment. Tightly managing the operating expenses will be necessary
going forward to ensure adequate operating income is being generated to meet system renewal needs through
moderate rate adjustments. The climate action goals set by both the City and Platte River Power Authority will
require rate increases as well during this same period. Two additional significant debt issuances are anticipated
as being necessary between now and 2030 to support.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does the Council Finance Committee support the Utilities Strategic Financial Plan assumptions ahead of
the 2025-26 BFO cycle? In particular, the projected rate increases necessary to meet anticipated revenue
requirements?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The financial health of each utility Enterprise Fund depends on active management of ongoing operating and
maintenance expenses as well as planning for large capital expenditures. The capital investment required to
maintain the current levels of service provided by each of the four utility services to the community requires a
long planning horizon and consistent reevaluation and prioritization. Ahead of the biennial budget process
beginning both the 10-year Strategic Financial Plan and the associated 10-year Capital Improvement Plan are
updated and presented to the Council Finance Committee for discussion to ensure that adequate operating
revenues are expected to support the City Manager’s Recommended Budget.
Strategic Financial Planning Process
The strategic financial planning process is intended to provide a long-term plan for the efficient and effective
financial management of each utility in a manner that is consistent with the City’s values and mission and
aligned with the City’s biennial Budget Process and Strategic Planning Process. Much of the long-term strategic
direction for each utility requires significant capital investment spanning more than one budget cycle making a
long-term capital improvement plan necessary to support the strategic plan.
Whereas strategic planning sets the operational direction of where the utilities are going in the future, strategic
financial planning provides a financial context for this movement. The strategic financial plans ensure the long-
term operational and fiscal objectives and level of service targets for each of the utilities are met in a financially
sustainable and resilient manner. The three main financial metrics from a long-term financial planning
perspective are:
1. Operating Margin > 3.0%
2. Debt Coverage Ratio > 2.0
3. Annual Rate Adjustments < 5.0%
Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 5.0% 6.0% 5.0% 5-8% 7-8% 7-8% 7-8% 3-5% 3-5% 3-5%
Debt Issued ($M)$61.0 $76.0
Page 5 of 210
Strategic planning consists of Master Planning and Capital Improvement Planning. These plans assess current
infrastructure for future needs and risks and review expected growth in customers and services delivered along
with any new regulatory requirements. The Master Plans generate a list of recommended capital projects over
the planning horizon which are then included in the Capital Improvement Plans (CIP). The respective
engineering groups for each utility are developing a standardized process to prioritize the necessary capital
investments. This prioritized list provides the associated annual capital investment which becomes an input into
the long term Strategic Financial Plan. This list is updated ahead of the two-year BFO process and is prioritized
using metrics intended to measure the levels of service that each utility is targeting to provide to the
community. The financial position of each utility is also reviewed in this step with the output being a
recommended path forward which involve rate adjustments and future debt issuances to achieve the operational
objectives and needs of each utility.
2023 Strategic Financial Planning
The 2023 strategic financial planning process began with an assessment of what has changed since the previous
plan. On a macro-economic scale these changes include:
• In 2022 inflation returned to levels not seen in 40 years which has adversely affected operating costs as
well as the costs of materials and labor for capital projects.
• After the COVID-19 pandemic supply chain constraints created scarcity in some electric equipment,
particularly transformers which has caused a 150-300% cost increase.
• The Federal Reserve has responded to the growth in inflation by raising interest rates in a short time,
which in turn is increasing the cost of capital.
Assess Operational
Needs / Risks
Determine Optimal
Solutions & Mitigations
Identify Anticipated
Capital Projects Over Planning Horizon
Establish Capital
Project Prioritization Criteria
Determine Relative
Weighting of Criteria
Prioritize Projects with
Criteria
Review Financial
Position of Each Utility
Determine Capital
Investment Capacities
Recommend
Financial Strategy to Achieve Operational
Objectives
Master
Planning
Capital
Improvement
Planning
Strategic
Financial
Planning
Page 6 of 210
More specific to the Light & Power and Telecommunications Enterprise Fund changes that have an impact on
the financial modeling for this plan are:
• Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) is finalizing a new Integrated Resource Plan which is expected to be
filed with the State of Colorado sometime in 2024 leading to some uncertainty in the wholesale rate
projections utilized in this effort.
• Development has slowed considerably in 2023 resulting in significantly less Electric Capacity Fees (ECF)
being received in 2023 than 2022 creating more uncertainty of future ECF revenue projections utilized
in this effort.
• Consistent with the 2021 Strategic Financial Plan, in October of 2023 a new debt issuance at a coupon
rate of 5.000% for $59,400,000 providing the electric utility with $40,818,986 of new capital.
2023 Capital Improvement Planning
Operational goals for the Light & Power utility are focused on maintaining the current level of reliability while
moving forward with achieving the carbon-reduction objectives of the City’s Our Climate Future (OCF) plan
through energy efficiencies and renewable generation through both utility-scale and distributed generation
resources. Investment in distribution infrastructure is necessary to maintain the current level of reliability
expected by our customers and to enable beneficial electrification throughout our community. The capital
investments necessary to achieve the OCF objectives include supporting distributed energy generation and
energy storage as well as beneficial electrification efforts such as electric vehicles and electric heating. In
addition to supporting distributed energy generation and energy storage the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) for the Light & Power Fund consists of projects needed to provide adequate substation and distribution
capacity to developing areas of the City, anticipated annexations, operational technology improvements and
system renewal of existing substations and underground distribution assets. The chart below shows the 2023
10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Light & Power.
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
$70,000,000
$80,000,000
$90,000,000
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Light & Power Capital Improvements 2023-2033
System Additions
Substations
Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks
Annexations
Technology and Other
Ave Annual Capital 2013-2022
Ave Annual Capital 2024-2033
Page 7 of 210
The graph below shows the evolution of the Light & Power CIP over the last 3 budget cycles compared to the
2023 CIP reflecting the impacts of some of the macro-economic challenges outlined above as well as updated
planning and analysis. The growth of the number of projects in the CIP will require further consideration around
how to fully resource these projects which could result in a more even distribution of capital required than what
is shown in the chart above.
Light & Power Operations
The financial modeling involved in updating the strategic financial plan analyzes operating revenues and
expenses to determine the amount of operating income that can fund capital investment before issuing any new
debt. Operating revenues have grown significantly over the past decade through rate increases while total
energy sales have remained flat. The need for continued rate increases between now and 2030 is being driven
primarily by expected increases in the wholesale purchased power costs and the need to issue a significant
amount of new debt to support the CIP. Based on the projected revenue requirements for operations and
maintenance (O&M) and capital investment, operating revenues are projected to grow at close to an annual
rate of 5.0% over the next decade.
$0
$50,000,000
$100,000,000
$150,000,000
$200,000,000
$250,000,000
$300,000,000
$350,000,000
2017 CIP 2019 CIP 2021 CIP 2023 CIP
Light & Power 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan Trend
CIP
CIP Inflated to 2023
Page 8 of 210
The colored area represents the 95% confidence band around the expected operating expense.
Strong revenue growth in residential sales has increased operating revenues and thereby operating income over
the past decade. This revenue growth has been driven entirely by rate increases as increased customer growth
has been offset by increased efficiency.
Light & Power O&M expenses have increased at a rate exceeding inflation over the past decade. This has begun
to be addressed through active management (a flattening of the curve can be seen in 2018-20). Unfortunately,
inflation and delays in capital work since the COVID-19 pandemic due to resource constraints has resulted in
some growth since 2020. The rate and debt issuance forecasts in the plan are based on a statistical analysis
which shows that O&M will increase at a rate close to the 5.0% rate of revenue growth.
$0
$50,000,000
$100,000,000
$150,000,000
$200,000,000
$250,000,000
$300,000,000
2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025 2027 2029 2031 2033
Operating Revenues (2013 -2033)
FUND:
501 - Light & Power Enterprise Fund
Budget
Year 2023
10 Yr
Annualized
Trend
5 Yr
Annualized
Trend
3 Yr
Annualized
Trend
1 Yr
Annualized
Trend
Customers 79,994 1.56%1.58% 1.22% 0.99%
Annual Rate Adjustment 5.00% 3.17%3.36% 3.33% 2.00%
Residential Elec Services 61,510,000$ 3.75%5.01% 6.03% 1.59%
Commercial Elec Services 46,920,000$ 2.87%2.66% 2.87% 4.52%
Industrial Charges for Services 35,920,000$ 3.15%0.70% 0.45% 1.69%
Green Energy Program 150,000$ -9.94%-16.03% -22.90% 10.34%
PILOTs 8,390,000$ 3.27%3.08% 3.50% 2.47%
Operating Revenue 152,890,000$ 3.27%3.09% 3.52% 2.57%
Total Revenues 158,040,390$ 3.11%3.25% 4.42% 3.68%
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The colored area represents the 95% confidence band around the expected operating expense.
The table below shows the recent trends in expenses along with the relative size of each line through the 2023
budgeted expenses. Significant growth in Purchased Power costs and L&P Operations, the two largest expense
categories, are driving the overall trend. Fort Collins electric customers have benefited from lower wholesale
purchased power increases since 2018 due to some flattening of the overall load curve through load shifting
under time-of-day rates as our contribution to the coincident peak has diminished. However, this benefit has
not offset the wholesale rate increases that have been realized over that same period.
Between now and 2030 PRPA will be shifting more and more generation to renewable sources. An updated
Integrated Resource Plan is expected in 2024 which will likely lead to an updated wholesale rate forecast to
reflect the higher demand for renewable resources.
$0
$50,000,000
$100,000,000
$150,000,000
$200,000,000
$250,000,000
$300,000,000
2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025 2027 2029 2031 2033
Operating Expenses (2013 -2033)
Page 10 of 210
Positive operating income needs to be generated over the coming decade to increase the Net Pledged Revenues
necessary to support higher debt service costs after considering the increased O&M expenses. This will likely
require rate increases in excess of the strategic financial target of less than 5.0% annually. In the strategic
financial model, it was necessary to consider rate increases as high as 8.0% in some years to meet the strategic
financial targets.
Budget
Year 2023
10 Yr
Annualized
Trend
5 Yr
Annualized
Trend
3 Yr
Annualized
Trend
1 Yr
Annualized
Trend
Annual Demand (KWH)1,515,316 0.0%-0.3% -0.1% 0.6%
Purchase Power -Tariff 1 PRPA 102,000,000$ 2.5% 1.2% 1.2% 5.8%
Purchase Pwr - Community Renewables 2,390,291$ 24.2% 19.2% 13.4%
L&P Operations 11,248,353$ 3.7% 1.5% 3.1% 5.7%
Energy Services 7,561,590$ 3.8% -1.1% 5.8% 16.0%
PILOTs 8,390,000$ 3.3% 3.1% 3.5% 2.5%
Admin Services - CS&A 8,710,000$ 5.3% 4.1% 4.1% 3.8%
Admin Services - General Fund 1,215,482$ 0.6% -6.2% -2.9% -3.9%
Other Payments & Transfers 3,369,262$ 3.5% 6.8% 18.4% 29.1%
Depreciation 11,500,000$ 2.7% -0.4% -4.3% -5.8%
Total Operating Expenses 156,384,977$ 3.0% 1.5% 1.7% 5.3%
Total Expenses 160,535,716$ 2.1% -0.5% 1.8% 7.2%
($50,000,000)
$0
$50,000,000
$100,000,000
$150,000,000
$200,000,000
$250,000,000
$300,000,000
20
1
3
20
1
4
20
1
5
20
1
6
20
1
7
20
1
8
20
1
9
20
2
0
20
2
1
20
2
2
20
2
3
20
2
4
20
2
5
20
2
6
20
2
7
20
2
8
20
2
9
20
3
0
20
3
1
20
3
2
20
3
3
Operating Income 2013 -2033
Operating Income Operating Revenue Operating Expense
Page 11 of 210
Light & Power Rate and Debt Forecasts
In some years rate increases will need to exceed the strategic financial targeted ceiling of 5.0% to cover
wholesale purchased power increases and significant capital investments in the distribution system over the
coming decade to ensure adequate operating revenue is generated to meet increased debt service costs. The
table below also shows the anticipated debt issuances needed for capital investments over the next decade.
Conclusions and Next Steps
Updating the ten-year Capital Improvement Plans ahead of the budget cycle allows for an assessment of
potential rate adjustments and debt issuances that may be necessary in the near future. This allows the
associated Strategic Financial Plan to be updated with a new financial path forward to meet the operational
needs of each utility, the electric utility in this case.
Through active management of O&M expenses, moderate rate adjustments and the issuance of $130M of new
debt, the Light & Power and Telecommunications Enterprise Fund is expected to have the capital available to
address the investments outlined in the CIP necessary to be able to meet its operational objectives over the
coming decade.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does the Council Finance Committee support the Utilities Strategic Financial Plan assumptions ahead of the
2025-26 BFO cycle? In particular, the projected rate increases necessary to meet anticipated revenue
requirements?
DISCUSSION / NEXT STEPS;
Kelly Ohlson; what would you say to Council and residents to explain what is contributing to the 6% and 5% –
bullets such as increased costs of transformers, inflation, especially drivers as we look out to 7-8% in 28-30.
Lance Smith; the primary drive is going to be our wholesale energy purchase costs- based on what PRPA has
been saying around it’s integrated resource plan, as we try to acquire more renewable energy resources that
they will need to raise wholesale rates higher than 5% - we are seeing rate pressures in terms of higher labor
costs so in order to meet our increased operating expenses such as labor – there have been a lot of supply chain
issues that hopefully will get resolved but in the near term, the impact is that all utilities are trying to procure
transformers and cables – there are consumer inflation 7% - we are seeing inflation 150-200% inflation on
transformer costs.
Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 5.0% 6.0% 5.0% 5-8% 7-8% 7-8% 7-8% 3-5% 3-5% 3-5%
Debt Issued ($M)$61.0 $76.0
Page 12 of 210
Operating Income (see slide #9 above)
Kelly Ohlson; what is the $50M in red (above)?
Lance Smith; 2014-2019 we were not generating positive operating income. We had an operating shortfall. The
$50M is indexing the Y axis. We had operating losses of $8-10M for a couple of years.
Going forward, we are trying to have operating income to generate 3% on roughly $150M of where we are
today. So that is $4.5M we are trying to generate on an annual basis.
Kelly Ohlson; so, this is kind of what it is – I have to trust the work to a certain extent.
Emily Francis; recommended increases in 20-30 but then it drops rather significantly (see slide #11 below). Why
wouldn’t we take a more gradual approach to even out the rate increases for folks?
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Lance Smith; that is a good suggestion, we are asking folks to look into their crystal balls to tell us what they
anticipate 8 years out. We could look to smooth things out a bit, but I anticipate that the 3-5% probably
changing once PRPA gets their 2024 Integrated Resource Plan updated. But absolutely, we can look to smooth
things out a bit. PRPA’s wholesale increases are projected at 5% per year out to 2030, then in 20231, they go
down to 2% so that is being reflected.
Emily Francis; that makes sense, it is always more palatable to the community to have consistent increases that
highs and lows. I understand that we don’t always have all of the information, but it is preferable. I think this is
ready.
B. TCEF Reimbursement Waterfield Fourth Filing Major Reimbursement No. 1
Marc Virata, Civil Engineer III
Monica Martinez, Manager, FP&A, PDT Finance
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Waterfield Fourth Filing (“Waterfield”) developer has constructed street improvements to Suniga Road, Vine
Drive, and Merganser Street to City standards as part of its development requirements and identified as Phases
1-4 in Waterfield’s approved development plans. The Waterfield developer has also dedicated right-of-way to
Suniga Road to City standards as part of its development requirements. Per Section 24-112 of the City Code, the
developer is eligible for reimbursement from Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF) funds for the
oversized, non-local portion for both construction and right-of-way dedication. Staff is recommending
appropriations totaling $1,495,605 from TCEF funds. As Waterfield has additional phases to construct, future
major reimbursements are anticipated.
While this reimbursement is considered routine as part of the Code obligations under the TCEF Program, this
request is coming before Council Finance Committee because of the large dollar amount outside of the typical 2-
year budgeting process. TCEF reimbursements to development were formerly anticipated and appropriated
through the 2-year budgeting process. As part of the process improvements identified first in the 2021 budget,
the TCEF Program is now categorizing developer reimbursements as “Major” and “Minor” reimbursements, with
“Major” developer reimbursements brought to Council individually rather than predicting what reimbursements
are needed on a 2-year basis.
This proposed reimbursement is the second request under this new process with Council Finance Committee
having reviewed the Northfield Development Suniga Road Major Reimbursement on December 1, 2022. As part
of Council Finance Committee’s input for Northfield, Council Finance Committee supported the major
reimbursement for Northfield, supported major reimbursements to continue to appear before Council Finance
Committee, and supported TCEF reimbursing Northfield for requested instead of Northfield’s metro districts.
Part of that reimbursement request included Northfield and its metro districts committing that the metro
districts would not reimburse Northfield, meaning that Northfield would not “double dip” and be reimbursed
twice for its costs. Unlike the Northfield Development Suniga Road Major Reimbursement, there is no metro
district for Waterfield in which the developer may also seek reimbursement. City Council consented to the
dissolution of Waterfield Metropolitan Districts Nos. 1-3 by adopting Resolution 2021-086 on September 21,
2021. The Larimer County District Court approved the dissolution of the Waterfield Metropolitan Districts Nos.
1-3 on November 8, 2021.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Page 14 of 210
• Does Council Finance Committee support an off-cycle appropriation of Transportation Capital Expansion
Fee fund reserves to reimburse the Waterfield developer for its construction of Suniga Road, Vine Drive,
and Merganser Drive; and dedication of Suniga Road right-of-way?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
TCEF Program
The TCEF Program (formerly Street Oversizing), instituted by ordinance in 1979, was established to manage the
construction of new arterial and collector streets, and is an “Impact Fee” funded program. The TCEF Program
determines and collects impact fees from development and redevelopment projects. The collection of these
impact fees contributes funding for growth’s related share towards City Capital Projects, including the City’s
Active Modes Plan, and reimburses development for constructing roadway improvements above the local street
access standards. Section 24-112 of the City Code allows for reimbursement to developers for the construction
of collector and arterial streets.
This reimbursement is for the Waterfield developer’s construction above the local street access standards as
part of Phases 1-4 of the development, and for the dedication of Suniga Road right-of-way beyond the local
access standard width for the overall development. Waterfield Phases 1-4 comprise of reimbursement for
beyond the local access standards of Suniga Road, Merganser Drive, and Vine Drive as depicted in the
“Waterfield Fourth Filing ROW Reimbursement Exhibit” by Northern Engineering, itemized between City (TCEF)
and Post Modern (Developer) responsibility in the “City Reimbursement” spreadsheet by Crow Creek
Construction, and summarized in the “Waterfield 4th Phases 1-4 TCEF Reimbursement Summary of Costs
Exhibit”. Roadway costs Reimbursement beyond the local access standards for Suniga Road includes landscape
and irrigation, comprising of the full median landscape and irrigation costs, and a portion of the parkway on the
south side of Suniga Road (the same eligible portion of parkway reimbursement on the north side of Suniga
Road will be tied to a future reimbursement request.)
Reimbursement for Suniga Road right-of-way accounts for a 56%/44% split between the City (TCEF) and
Developer for a total 295,000 square footage of dedicated Suniga Road right-of-way on the plat for Waterfield,
with a land cost of $2.32/square foot, resulting in a City share of $381,276. This reimbursement for right-of-way
includes the remaining portion of Suniga to be built to Timberline Road in a future phase.
Staff has reviewed the documentation provided by the Waterfield developer and agrees that the requested
reimbursement meets the requirements under City Code Section 24-112 for appropriation from TCEF funds.
There are presently adequate funds in TCEF to reimburse the developer and Staff recommends reimbursement
in the amount of $1,495.605.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council Finance Committee support an off-cycle appropriation of Transportation Capital Expansion Fee
fund reserves to reimburse the Waterfield developer for its construction of Suniga Road, Vine Drive, and
Merganser Drive; and dedication of Suniga Road right-of-way?
DISCUSSION / NEXT STEPS;
Kelly Ohlson; I thought we decided last time that there would be no double dipping on the metro district and a
reimbursement like this.
Marc Virata; you are correct - what happened again with Northfield, they did have a metro district and we were
concerned about the potential for a double dip, and they provided affidavits from their metro districts that they
Page 15 of 210
did not and would not reimburse the developer and if they did the city would be reimbursed. In this case with
Waterfield, there is no metro district here for them to seek reimbursement. It was dissolved early on.
Kelly Ohlson; do we ever verify in the future that there wasn’t a double dip, or do we just trust?
Marc Virata; that is a great question - we took affidavits from the metro districts, and I don’t claim to be an
expert. I think the metro districts have to take formal actions which would be part of the public record. We
could look at that. I would look to others here who might have a good perspective on metro districts.
Kelly Ohlson; we can do follow-up if needed / appropriate.
Kelly Ohlson; how closely do we examine the accuracy of the numbers on reimbursable requests to make sure it
is inline? Do we spend some real time on it? This one is $1.5M.
Marc Virata; I did spend quite a bit of time reviewing this. You are seeing the end product. There was quite a bit
of work that goes into the review of these.
Kelly Ohlson; Historically, some things weren’t built to standard, then when the warranty expires the city has to
pick up the responsibility for the streets or the landscaping.
Marc Virata; when the work is under construction – 2-year warranty then there is a walk through before we put
it under final approval– code allows you to hold on to in case you have catastrophic issues – my hope if that we
are taking infrastructure that is inspected before it becomes a city asset.
Emily Francis; we do so much due diligence during this process – when would be a time that we would not
support reimbursement?
Marc Virata; if there are not sufficient funds to do the reimbursement – the code that says if we can only
reimburse 50 cents on the dollar, they have to take it – Montava and Waters Edge have metro districts – those
future reimbursements – will be brought to you – Council might prefer to reimburse from a metro district
instead of from TCEF.
Emily Francis; I know we do a lot of due diligence and I know we don’t want to double dip.
Kelly Ohlson; in the future I would be curious – I forgot that in code, it was Council’s discretion. How do we
know that we have the porridge just right – doesn’t the development cause part of the pressure on the local
portion of the project – do they pay their fair share – oversizing – is that how the fairness issue is? Ther are
contributing to the overall capacity issue not just local – what am I missing there?
Marc Virata; all of these projects have been collecting and paying their capital expansion fees – when Northfield
was in discussion last year - they had paid $2.5M and the reimbursement they were seeking was $2M –
sometimes it works in opposite ways – fee schedule – you may be entitled to a greater reimbursement – the fee
is growth related infrastructure which includes building the bike lanes, wider sidewalks is that growth related
infrastructure. Every development is responsible for their local portion, what fronts their property, that is their
minimum base line. If we didn’t have a TCEF, all we could make developers build would be 30-foot-wide streets
with no bike lanes. Then every arterial would have to be a capital project. The intent of TCEF is to be that
bridge to bigger infrastructure. By the time they pay it, it may be utilized across town in another development.
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Emily Francis; ready for Council, appreciate your thoughtful responses.
C. Impact Fee Study Continued Discussion & Options
David Lenz, Director, FP&A - Financial Services
Marc Virata, Engineering - Planning, Development & Transportation
Randy Reuscher, Lead Rate Analyst - Utilities Finance
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff have been working to update the Utility Development Fees, Transportation Capital Expansion Fees (TCEFs)
and Capital Expansion Fees (CEFs). On October 5, 2023, Council Finance Committee meeting, staff presented
the current status of the TCEF and CEF Study updates as well as the Utilities’ Finance model updates of their
plant investment fees (PIFs) and electric capacity fees. No action was taken in regard to adoption of fees for
2024 with a request to get further clarity to the proposed work program regarding the utilities Water Supply
Fees, Excess Water Use and Water Allotments. Currently, no rate adjustments are set to occur effective
January 1, 2024.
This update provides a review of the updated fee studies and schedules presented in October, an overview of
the tentative Utilities water supply timelines and a recommended path for adoption of the fees presented at the
October CFC meeting.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED:
• What questions does the committee have related to the study updates, draft fee schedules or proposed
timelines?
• Does the committee support the staff recommendation of bringing forward the TCEFs, CEFs, Utility PIFs and
Electric Capacity Charge Fees for Council adoption during Q2 2024?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
During 2023, staff engaged consultant TischlerBise (TB) to update the Transportation Capital Expansion Fee
study. Additionally, consultant Economic & Planning Systems (EPS) was contracted to update the Capital
Expansion Fee study, while utilities’ staff completed their biennial internal Fee Study model updates. The current
schedule of updates and rate adjustments is highlighted below.
These study and model updates are summarized in the sections that follow below (with the full draft study
reports included as Attachments 2 and 3). The Water Supply Requirement will be undergoing further updates
during 2024.
Water Supply Requirements:
In the August 8, 2023, Council Work Session on Water Supply Fees, Excess Water Use and Water Allotments, a
number of questions arose concerning the updated analysis of proposed fee levels. In response to these
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027
Capital Expansion Fees (CEF)Update Step II Step III Inflation Inflation Inflation Update Inflation Inflation Inflation Update
Transportation Expansion Fee (TCEF)Update Step II Inflation Inflation Inflation Update Inflation Inflation Inflation Update
Electric Capacity Fee Update Update Inflation Update Inflation Update Inflation Update Inflation Update
Water Supply Requirement Update Update Inflation Update Inflation Update Inflation Update Inflation Update
Water, Wastewater, Stormwater PIFs Update Update Inflation Update Inflation Update Inflation Update Inflation Update
Page 17 of 210
questions, staff prepared a memorandum to Council dated October 25, 2023, which is included as Attachment 4.
The primary outputs were the convening of an internal team to review and develop options balancing
community and utility needs, the development of separate workstreams to address appropriate considerations,
and project plan development utilizing a community-wide lens in providing options to Council.
The proposed timeline for 2024 meetings and outreach is highlighted below:
April 9 Council Work Session
June 6 Water Commission Work Session
July 16 Council Work Session
August 1 Water Commission Work Session
August 15 P&Z Work Session
Sept 10 Council Work Session
Sept 19 P&Z Hearing/Water Commission Hearing
Oct 15 1st Reading
Nov 5 2nd Reading
Utilities Development Fees Update:
Staff updates development fee models every two years. In alternating years, when models are not updated, an
inflationary adjustment is applied to utility development fees. Staff use the Engineering News Record (ENR)
construction cost index to apply inflationary adjustments. In 2022, for 2023, staff increased development fees,
including the Electric Capacity Fees, Water Plant Investment Fees, Wastewater Plant Investment Fees, and
Stormwater Plant Investment Fees, by 9% as an inflationary adjustment.
Each model was updated this year to capture current inputs, including current escalation factors and each of the
various drivers such costs, consumption, and future system needs. Utilities have experienced extreme cost
pressures, especially on the electric side. Some items such as electric transformers have increased dramatically
in price due to supply chain issues and higher material costs. The table below shows the proposed increase for
2024 for each of the development fees by fund.
There are many variables in calculating the impact of a development, particularly between residential and
commercial. Shown in the table below is an example of a single-family residential house receiving all four
services from Fort Collins Utilities. The 2023 amount is expected to increase by approximately $790 in 2024,
from $11,120 to $11,911. This equates to an overall increase of 7.1% for these one-time fees.
Utility Fee Unit of Measure 2024 Proposed Increase
Electric Capacity Fee (ECF) $ / kW 14.8%
Water Plant Investment Fee (PIF) $ / GPD 5.7%
Wastewater Plant Investment Fee (PIF) $ / GPD 4.1%
Stormwater Plant Investment Fee (PIF) $ / acre of development 7.0%
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Transportation Capital Expansion Fee Study Update
TCEF's last program update was in 2017 by TischlerBise. The City again contracted with TischlerBise for the
current study update. The 2023 TCEF study uses a combination of incremental expansion for roadways and plan-
based methodologies to provide improvements for Active Modes. The methodology also utilized data from more
updated sources:
• 2023 Transportation Capital Projects Prioritization Study
• 2022 Active Modes Plan
• 2022 Fort Collins Travel Diary Report
• The current anticipated 10-year buildout of additional lane miles through development
• The current City's Arterial Cost per Lane Mile ($2.0M), along with baseline data and projections from the
North Front Range MPO
For residential development, updated amounts are based on square feet of finished living space. Garages,
porches, and patios are excluded from the TCEF assessment. For nonresidential development, TCEFs are stated
per thousand square feet of floor area, using three categories. The TCEF schedule for nonresidential
development is designed to provide a reasonable fee amount for general types of development. There has been
further emphasis on active modes and to provide further clarity the maximum supportable fee schedule is
broken down by roadway capacity and active modes.
Summary fees are highlighted below and the TCEF Draft Report with full detail is included as Attachment 2.
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Capital Expansion Fee Study Update:
The City has five separate Capital Expansion Fees (CEFs), related to neighborhood and community parks, and
fire, police, and general government services. These fees were initially adopted in 1996 based on an internal
study by City staff. External study updates were completed in 2013 and 2017 by Duncan Associates. The studies
relied on the standards-based (or incremental expansion) methodology, which bases the fees on the existing
levels of service. The new fees were adopted in 2017 and implemented over a three-year time period.
In the spring of 2023, the City solicited bids and contracted with Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS) to
update the Capital Expansion Fee Study. The EPS Study Update adheres to the existing standard-based
approach to fee calculation, continuing to use construction cost replacement valuations.
Highlighted below are the updated draft fee calculations for residential and non-residential properties compared
to the current fee. More detailed information is included in the CEF Draft Report in Attachment 3.
Almost all fee categories have increased from current 2023 fee levels. The biggest overall impact contributing to
higher rates is the significantly higher asset valuations for police and fire services (and to a lesser extent, general
governmental) outpacing the service population growth rates. These inflationary impacts have been realized
locally in the higher cost of the City’s purchases of goods and services, especially in the post-COVID
environment. In this update, the Office and Other Services type has been broken out from Commercial and is
aligned with TCEF categories based on differing demand impacts.
The study update had differing results for the neighborhood and community parks. The most recent
neighborhood park builds (Bucking Horse, Cresent, Traverse) were all significantly more expensive to buildout
on $/acre basis than prior facilities, leading to much higher fee calculations than for the community parks. A
new maintenance facility also contributed to higher overall costs.
Residential Unit
N'hood
Park
Comm.
Park Fire Police Gen. Gov't
Update
Total
Current
Total Change % Change
up to 700 sq. ft.Dwelling $2,813 $2,140 $604 $382 $745 $6,684 $6,593 $91 1%
701-1,200 sq. ft.Dwelling $4,260 $3,241 $914 $578 $1,129 $10,122 $8,844 $1,278 14%
1,201-1,700 sq. ft.Dwelling $4,783 $3,638 $1,026 $649 $1,267 $11,363 $9,652 $1,711 18%
1,701-2,200 sq. ft.Dwelling $5,145 $3,913 $1,104 $698 $1,363 $12,223 $9,764 $2,459 25%
over 2,200 sq. ft.Dwelling $5,848 $4,448 $1,254 $794 $1,549 $13,894 $10,880 $3,014 28%
Development Type Unit
N'hood
Park
Comm.
Park Fire Police Gen. Gov't
Update
Total
Current
Total Change % Change
Commercial 1,000 sq. ft.$1,281 $811 $1,582 $3,674 $2,791 $883 32%
Office and Other Services 1,000 sq. ft.$701 $444 $866 $2,010 $2,791 ($781) -28%
Industrial 1,000 sq. ft.$332 $210 $410 $953 $656 $297 45%
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Overall, the residential fee amounts increase by 1% to 28% (approximately $100 - $3,000) based on size of
property. This variable difference is attributed primarily to the relative changes in occupancy factors based on
updated U.S. Census Bureau housing survey data. On the non-residential developments, increases to
commercial and industrial types are driven by the underlying employees per square foot calculations based on
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) trip generation rates.
In March of 2022, staff provided the City Council with an analysis of the total costs of development activity as
part of the total cost of building new housing stock. The table below updates the total fees component of that
analysis, with current 2023 fees and the proposed 2024 study updates included for an 1,890 square foot
residential property.
The total overall increase would be approximately $3,600 or 6.3%. As noted in the utility sections above, no
increase in the water supply requirement is included in this comparison pending the outcome of that update.
NEXT STEPS AND RECOMMENDATION
Utilities’ staff has provided their tentative 2024 work program and timeline as outlined earlier. Contemplation
of the options for addressing the fee updates provided by the two consultant updates and the internal utilities’
model updates consists of the following:
Option A:
Defer Decision on adoption of New Fee Structure until Water Supply Requirements are determined (for a
January 1, 2025, implementation).
Option B:
Adopt New Proposed Fee Structure as presented for implementation in early Q2 2024 after the proposed
Council Work Session in April 2024.
Option C:
Defer Decision on adoption of New Fee Structure until Water Supply Requirements are determined (for a
January 1, 2025, implementation) and adjust current rates by the annual inflation index only in early Q2 2024.
Staff Recommendation is to proceed with Option B – adoption of the proposed fee updates as presented for
implementation in early Q2 2024.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED:
• What questions does the committee have related to the study updates, draft fee schedules or proposed
timelines?
Fee Type 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Capital Expansion Fees 6,038$ 7,630$ 8,591$ 8,824$ 8,992$ 9,764$ 12,223$
Transportation Capital Expansion Fees 5,150$ 6,543$ 6,586$ 6,623$ 7,115$ 7,621$ 8,106$
Development Review, Permits, Infrastructure Fees 2,532$ 2,532$ 2,532$ 3,314$ 2,792$ 2,792$ 2,792$
Utility Fees 21,907$ 22,321$ 25,517$ 26,353$ 35,992$ 37,142$ 37,838$
Combined Fees 35,627$ 39,026$ 43,226$ 45,114$ 54,891$ 57,319$ 60,958$
Percentage Change Baseline 9.5% 10.8% 4.4% 21.7% 4.4% 6.3%
City Charged Fees: Impact on One or Two-Family Residence - 1890 sq. ft
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• Does the committee support the staff recommendation of bringing forward the TCEFs, CEFs, Utility PIFs and
Electric Capacity Charge Fees for Council adoption during Q2 2024?
DISCUSSION / NEXT STEPS;
Emily Francis; do our fees match our values? I just don’t understand how this presentation addresses the
previous discussion. The amounts presented are the same as last time when we talked about this. Council
Finance Committee gave clear direction that we were seeking a different approach to this.
Dave Lenz; both the studies have been updated by our consultants following methodologies that adhere to state
statute and practice and our fees have been developed along those lines. Our code speaks to the fact that these
fees are essentially cost recovery mechanisms and they should not discriminate or favor different classes of
development. They are supposed to reflect the impact that either a resident or visitor to the extent that we can
calculate that – not specific to any one resident, but a suite or average of those because we don’t know how
these developments will be inhabited over time. We have felt that these fees do reflect and adhere to state
statue. There was a memo that was sent out that addresses the parameters of the law that we must operate
within and if we are talking about adopting a different philosophy that would require a discussion with the full
Council.
Travis Storin; we are a little bit hamstrung based on what TABOR tell us as well as statute around fee
development and to what extent do we have to have an excel model behind the fee that states, here are the
costs that we are trying to recover. We prove our costs and then we can attach a fee to the costs. We think we
have stretched this still within the legal limits, but where judgement is allowed, we have gone to a more
aggressive place of trying to be aligned with our current values with respect to how those costs get spread
around different kinds of development. We do have some limitations on just how far we are able to go there.
Emily Francis; I do understand the limitation part, in the minutes, it does say that a Council Work Session was
requested. It is acknowledged that this is a full Council discussion. Every single example is still based on single
family development. It is hard to believe we are considering this as there are no multi-family development
examples in this. What percent of the project cost is the city fee for multi-family development and how much
has this changed over time? When we are looking at nominal costs for single family that seem palatable, but we
look at our larger multi-family developments, what are those costs and how much are we increasing them?
It becomes difficult to say we are doing this, but we are still provided with the same examples of a single-family
development in our AIS materials and the presentations. Does the city consider the CEFs to be impact fees?
Travis Storin; yes, the whole umbrella is impact fees of which the expansion fees are a component.
Emily Francis; we are applying the same state statue to both types of fees (capital expansion and impact fees).
I think we requested that this go to a work session to discuss and get information on more options and input
from the full council.
Dave Lenz; given the calendar and given that we knew we had some study updates that were not available at
the last Council Finance Committee meeting. Councilmember Olson was not present, so this was a chance for
him to be present for the fuller discussion. We knew that there would be further discussion with the full Council
to talk about the bigger picture. The timeline we laid out for water supply requirements, it is going to have a
more holistic approach and policy discussion.
Emily Francis; I didn’t understand from the materials the capital expansion or impact fees were part of the water
supply requirement discussion that is scheduled. What are other municipalities doing in this space?
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Travis Storin; implicit in the recommended option within today’s materials, when that April Work Session comes
up for the water requirements, can we essentially bolt on this discussion? A more comprehensive assessment of
all of the fees. That will afford us the opportunity to research how other municipalities have interpreted TABOR
and statue in this space. That has been the rub in how much judgement are we able to introduce to any fee
components?
Dave Lenz; when the original work was done in March of 2022, we did include an example of multi family
development. We can certainly update that example to show you the impact as a follow up item.
Emily Francis; that would be helpful. I don’t think anyone at the last meeting suggested going outside of TABOR.
I think we had a discussion regarding looking at what other municipalities are doing in this space. I do think this
needs to go to the full Council.
Kelly Ohlson; I have curiosity and leanings toward the concerns that both Julie and Emily brought up. As a long
time, defender of appropriate fees, I think we need to have that discussion and be ready to make a decision to
be ready to make a decision and implement by January 1, 2025. That will give the council time to build on the
fairness factor, the legalities of TABOR, but also city council and community values. I think it needs a deeper
dive. I support that which is only 1 year and 1 month from now which is lightning speed for communities being
able to move. In the interim, I don’t want us to delay too much. I support staff’s recommendation although my
math is a little different on the calendar than theirs. It says we have a work session around the water issue in
April and implement the fees in the 2nd quarter. I think these are ordinances and not resolutions. Then we are
out to June – not early 2nd quarter. I don’t know, other than bringing up the topic in April for this possible new
way of looking at things. Combining fairness, legalities with community values to lay the groundwork and get the
nods that we would like that to be explored. I would support that.
Emily Francis; Option B reads that it would be on the calendar for adoption after the work session. At the work
session, we still ask council if they want to adopt the fees while we are working on this.
Kelly Ohlson; I heard numbers for the yearly costs for the fees that I thought would be helpful for council.
When it went through how much it was costing for each month of the delay. The monthly numbers weren’t
adding up to the annual amount for me.
Dave Lenz; in TCEF and CEF combined we collected $11M in 2022. For each month that we delay the
implementation, we estimate that we will lose approximately $140K per month on an $11M base. That equates
to a 15% increase across the board.
Emily Francis; what is the financial impact if we went with Option C?
Dave Lenz; with Option C, if we put in an inflationary adjustment component, that comes out to $60K per month
or $700K annually. That is a 6.35% increase weighted between the two inflationary indices.
We would be foregoing $58K if we didn’t do inflation and foregoing $138K if we didn’t implement the study.
The utilities is approximately $70K per month if they don’t implement adopting the fee structure.
Emily Francis; that is if we don’t do anything including adjusting for inflation, correct?
Dave Lenz. their inflationary adjustment is closer to the average that they show for an increase. If we did an
inflationary adjustment for theirs, it would be less than the $70K.
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Emily Francis; we are assuming that council supports adopting the new fee structure while we are working on it
in May. We will lose out on everything until then.
Dave Lenz; we would lose out on the increase but not the existing base.
Emily Francis; what is the total loss versus Option C?
Randy Reuscher; for utilities, for 4 months you are looking at approximately $300K.
Dave Lenz; if we do the inflation adjustment for the whole year starting June 1st we would lose approximately
$300K by not implementing on January 1st. If we went the whole year without increasing for inflation we would
lose about $700K.
Kelly Ohlson; pretend we start as soon as we can inflation for the whole year – we might miss January. If we do
inflation for those while we continue with a more holistic look including all values, fairness, legalities, and the
community values. What is the difference between implementing all of the new rates versus just implementing
the inflation factor?
Dave Lenz; the difference per month is $80K between an inflation adjustment and the full fee adjustments.
Randy Reuscher; for utilities, if we increased what we are proposing we would collect approximately $800K
more for the year. Split that in half - $400K. If we only increased inflationary it would be half of that which
would be $200K
Kelly Ohlson; we would want to start the inflationary factor as soon as we legally can and then we proceed from
there.
Dave Lenz; if we instituted, we save or earn $600K. A total of $1.6M if we instituted the fees.
By not acting on the new fees but doing inflation immediately, we leave about $1M on the table.
Emily Francis; we would lose less money with six months of the newly adopted fees versus 1 year.
Dave Lenz; if we adopted the new fees in May, we would pull in about $1M.
Still a net loss even if we do the inflation immediately which would be $600K.
Travis Storin; if there is appetite for this to come forward to the full council for inflation only. We go straight to
a regular meeting; we can clearly delineate the numbers that Dave just shared.
Kelly Ohlson; reasoning on this - valid questions that were raised at the last Council Finance Committee
meetings. I am serious about exploring those. I don’t know if there will be any serious changes but there may be
– it is good to give a serious and not rushed look. I think long term, the loss of the money for calendar year
2024, it will build stronger support regardless of where it goes, we may discover some things that our
community and council values that we can effect on smaller homes, multifamily and on redevelopment. It will
build more long-term council support for fee increases if we take the time to do this right.
Emily Francis; I agree.
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Dave Lenz; we will put together ordinances to take to council to adopt an inflationary adjustment as soon as
practically possible. We will encapsulate the options in terms of adoption, delays, and costs of delays.
Some qualitative assessment around the desire to have the fulsome discussion around how we structure our
fees from a policy standpoint and values standpoint.
D. Low-income Sales Tax Rebate
Jennifer Poznanovic, Sr. Revenue Manager
Nina Bodenhamer, City Give Director
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In October 2022, City Council amended City Code to align income eligibility from 50 percent area median income
(AMI) for the applicable household size to 60 percent AMI. In collaboration with the City-wide consolidation of
income-qualified programs and the Get FoCo application, staff committed to returning to Council Finance
Committee to discuss the effectiveness of the updates on program participation after approximately a year.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council Finance Committee support offering a benefited position for the Grocery Tax Rebate Coordinator
position starting in 2024?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Established in 1972, the Grocery Tax Rebate is intended to provide financially insecure residents relief from City
sales tax charged on purchased food.
Over the past years, revisions to the Code language which govern the Grocery Tax Rebate have been made to
demonstrate responsiveness to resident input and program design:
• Expanded to include residents within the City’s Growth Management Area in 2017
• Property tax and utilities rebates sunset in 2021
• Expanded window of service: from seasonal to annual (2023 first full year)
• Online applications available via Get FoCo in 2022
• Adjusted definition of “households”
• Removed Federal Income Tax as the sole income verification source
• Updated to the payment to allow future alternatives
• Increased eligibility from 50% AMI to 60% AMI
Outreach & promotion:
• Leverage all City outreach platforms
• Spanish-language translation of outreach materials and application
• Direct mail, community promotion and marketing
o Community-wide poster distribution
o Two (2) ads per year, Coloradoan
• 50+ community partners: applications & promotion
Ongoing program design goals:
• Increase participation
• Reduced barriers to enrollment
• Improve the resident experience
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• Leverage best-practices in program design for financially insecure residents
• Realize the potential of the city’s investment in Get FoCo
Recent program results:
• Second year partnering with Get FoCo
o Nearly 80% of applications now online
• Record number of qualified applications - over 1600
• Greater reach to participants under 65 and household sizes greater than one
• Record high grocery rebate $304k (with one month to go)
o 2023 budget $150k
o Appropriation for additional expense will require Council approval
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council Finance Committee support offering a benefited position for the Grocery Tax Rebate Coordinator
position starting in 2024?
DISCUSSION / NEXT STEPS;
Kelly Ohlson; what percentage of eligible households are benefitting from the grocery rebate program?
I love the new app. I want us to continue moving forward.
Nina Bodenhamer; who is our target audience – if we look at 60% AMI I think that represents 11-12% of our
population (I will confirm that). Our target has been 8K households. Get FoCo has 4K households in our
database. I will get you those firm numbers. That is the measure of our success in creating a one stop shop.
When the position was just grocery store, they managed paper applications. While they represent the grocery
rebate, they are talking with residents about the full Get FoCo programs. They do outreach and work with
financially insecure households. They are enrolling folks into Get FoCo.
Kelly Ohlson; this makes sense to me. I support in the last few years, this Council has transitioned a lot of people
who have been high functioning hourly folks for years to classified employees. 10 of them in Natural Areas – we
want to be fair to employees.
Question regarding reduced recreation programs. Does that include Treatsylvania at the Farm at Lee Martinez
Park? Are there things that don’t qualify?
Nina Bodenhamer; there are things that do not qualify. It is not a percentage decrease on all recreational
activities, but it is a benefit on dedicated services such as childcare. It also gives families day passes to Aztlan or
seniors to the Senior Center. For a family, all recreation programs track within your rec id – if you enroll in ice
skating, pottery, childcare, the discount is automatically applied. It is a very sensitive and respectful program
for our lower income households. Flat rate ticket events such as Treatsylvania are outside the program.
Year Applications Household
Members
Grocery
Rebate Repeat %65+%Single
HH %GetFoco %
2020 1006 1890 123,435 886 88%509 51%641 64%N/A N/A
2021 948 1758 117,987 844 89%446 47%588 62%N/A N/A
2022 1281 2626 181,186 857 67%486 38%686 54%614 48%
2023 YTD Nov 1664 3986 303,353 773 46%405 24%765 46%1296 78%
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Emily Francis; I would say that events like Lights and the Gardens and Treatsylvania should be offered at
discounted rates.
Jen Poznanovic; fewer repeats – program used to also include utilities and property tax and we have had some
folks not come back with those two pieces were outside the program. We have a larger number of new
applicants.
Emily Francis; do folks have to do an application for this and another application for utilities?
Nina Bodenhamer; those programs have been zeroed out.
Jen Poznanovic; it has been several years since we have had those two rebates; they were smaller rebates which
are more impactful going to the county instead of coming through the city – no longer through the city but more
beneficial to go through the county. One of the qualifications is that applicants for property tax and utilities had
to be 65 years or older.
Emily Francis; how many new folks do we have since we went from 50% to 60% AMI?
How many new folks are due to our increased eligibility.
Travis Storin; the essence of the question, by going from 50 to 60% AMI - X number of people participated who
were not eligible before. How much is because of the app and how much is because the app made applying
easier and how much is due to the funnel getting bigger?
Jen Poznanovic; a little bit of both. It has been hard to get families. A lot of 65 and older folks participate and
know how it works. We are able to reach some of the folks – didn’t want to take the time to fill out the
application.
Travis Storin; we can take this offline and see what the data shows us and then send a memo to Council if we are
able to determine this quantitatively.
Emily Francis; even a change in demographics from 2020 – 2023 of who we are seeing apply. How that has
changed since rolling out the app. See what the shifts are.
What are the other sources of income verification?
Nina Bodenhamer; income verification can be established via SNAP, Medicaid, LEAP
We very much want to drive our residents to LEAP for county and CHIP + and PSD free and reduced lunch
programs.
Emily Francis; we don’t really have any non-government program.
Nina Bodenhamer; we don’t have a program outside of government. We don’t have a community or regional
verification of need program outside of government. With our partnership with PSD and our family liaisons –
their location and needs – in the homes. They can upload on behalf of a family they are working with.
Travis Storin; eligibility requirements and rebate amounts all come from code.
Emily Francis; so Council could adopt additional items for income verification options.
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Travis Storin; yes, I believe so.
Emily Francis; this is one program I would really like to see some progress in. I think we are missing out on folks
who are enrolled in federal programs. I think we need to look outside these programs for income verification.
I support this.
E. Change Management Resources
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
Appropriation request regarding change management resources for two digital transformation projects.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is recommending a one-time appropriation totaling $500,000 from General Fund Reserves to support
dedicated change management resources for two digital transformation projects - Legislative Management
Software and Recreation Registration Software replacements. The split is $375,000 for Legislative Management
and $125,000 for The Recreation Registration project. These resources will go directly to contracted change
management resources with PROSCI, whose methodology the City is using for a broader Enterprise Change
Management effort.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council Finance Committee recommend moving the appropriation to the full Council in January?
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The City organization is actively pursuing at various stages a number of projects that seek to modernize our
digital footprint for the community and the internal operations of the organization. These projects span many
city services, including:
• Customer information system for utility billing
• Licensing, permitting, and inspection software
• Recreation registration system
• Legislative management software - including council agenda packets
• Enterprise Resource Planning
Taken individually, each of these projects represent different degrees of resourcing, both in terms of dollars and
staff time, complexities and process or operational changes that will be required to be successful. A critical
component staff believes applies to each project is our ability to effectively manage the change from current
state operations to the future state under new tools and systems. Previous examples where we have not
invested in adequate change management support and a holistic project management approach have resulted
in suboptimal outcomes. While the City has invested in staff capacity and in creating positions for change
practitioners to some degree, it is leadership’s opinion that each of the projects above will require dedicated
change management support which simply does not exist in the organization today.
Both the Recreation registration and legislative management systems are near term projects reaching critical
milestones that have significant change requirements not currently able to be absorbed in the project costs that
were originally budgeted primarily for software costs alone. Both projects are detailed below in addition to what
the appropriation would provide for.
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Recreation Registration (Daysmart)
The City’s current recreation registration software – known as RecTrac – is a pain point in resident experience
when it comes to accessing the City’s class and program offerings across facilities and offering type. Council
appropriated $89k in funds to replace the software in the 2023/2024 budget and staff has completed a Request
for Proposals (RFP) and selected Daysmart as the new vendor who will provide that software.
Given the change a new system represents to the community and staff, and the vast amount of public
interaction that our residents have with this particular system, executive staff selected the project as one that
should receive dedicated change management support, especially to meet the timeline of working to launch for
the April registration process. The appropriation request amount of $125,00 would cover dedicated support for
a change practitioner provided through Prosci to assist in project execution alongside the City’s project manager.
Legislative Management Software (LMS)
Legislative management software is a tool to improve efficiencies and transparency of the legislative process
which includes Council agendas and minutes, in addition to materials for boards and commissions and Council
subcommittees. Council approved a 2023-2024 Budget Offer for $300k ($150k in each ’23 and ‘24) to fund
implementation of a new LMS. This proposal was included in the larger Digital Transformation RFP to include a
new citywide website. Staff wanted to consolidate multiple applications into a single, streamlined resident and
community experience. Staff are currently in the final stages of selecting a vendor.
Executive leadership felt that this project was a critical one to provide dedicated change management support
to; given the scale of the project, the number of staff that interact with the LMS, the critical functions pertaining
to agenda management, record keeping, and the associated risks to public trust if the project does not go
successfully.
The requested appropriation of $375,000 includes dedicated support for project execution, training in change
management to upskill impacted groups across the organization and building capability in change management
execution for the organization more broadly.
For both projects, staff is planning on exercising an existing contract option with Prosci to provide these services.
Prosci is a locally based global thought leader in the practice of organizational change management. With over
twenty years of research backing its industry leading methodology, their advisors have extensive experience
both leading change initiatives and developing organizational capabilities related to organizational change
management to successfully deliver results for organizations. The proposals Prosci has provided the City offers
project execution support to successfully implement solutions that will assist staff and the community in
engaging with City organization. In addition, the experienced Prosci Change Advisors will develop staff’s ability
to manage change on an ongoing basis through coaching and training. This additional service supports the City’s
enterprise wide capability in organizational change management.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Does Council Finance Committee recommend moving the appropriation to the full Council in January?
DISCUSSION / NEXT STEPS;
Tyler Marr; I did have a conversation with Julie Pignataro earlier and she did offer that I could share
some of that with you.
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She asked, ‘Why Prosci specifically?’ Prosci is a world leader in this, and we do have an existing
relationship with them, but we know they aren’t the only provider. We have a different company
providing change management resources for the CIS Utilities Billing System project and we would
anticipate for both ERP and licensing, permitting and inspection software because we have more
runway and will be going through a full RFP process with that instead of using this toggle option.
We also talked through the sticker shock and the shifting philosophy in these projects.
I don’t want to put words in her mouth, but I think she was more comfortable with it. She is hoping
that we, as an organization are investing resources so that staff can do this ourselves instead of using
third party vendors. That is a separate but parallel workstream here, that we are investing in staff to
understand our change management philosophy and principles so they can provide some of these
resources. When we look at best practices, especially around software implementation,
some of these bigger ones will probably always need some supplemental change management.
Emily Francis; I think it is smart to invest in our people, especially with software updates, making sure
our folks are comfortable using them. This provides good services to our residents. There is quite a bit
of sticker shock with this.
Why is this coming out of the General Fund and not out of the strategic area of government where we
normally fund these type of things?
Travis Storin; when we talk about the two projects in question; The Recreation project for Daysmart -
that fund is not equipped with the reserves needed for this appropriation.
Emily Francis; when I think of change management, it is like training staff. We have staff training and
development funds allocated in High Performing Government. So, I am wondering why this is coming
out of the General Fund?
Tyler Marr; in terms of the parallel path that is, how do we get staff better at this and certify staff, that
is traditionally, where we would look to training budgets first, and then if needed supplement.
Because these projects came out of the General Fund, and these are supplemental resources do the
projects we just kept the same path there.
Emily Francis; in the future when we have software changes, will the budget offers include this change
management, if we think it meets the criteria?
Tyler Marr; I think we are setting an expectation that this is how we will budget projects moving
forward is considering and making part of an RFPs, change management is a key component and
it will also include things like staff backfill when needed to maintain two systems at the same time until
we are ready for launch. I do think it is a wholesale philosophy shift and we are in the infant stages of
figuring out what that looks like.
Travis Storin; criteria, etched in stone that we will have change management in the budget offers.
when they come forward. These two projects came forward as offers before we embraced this as a
priority. We are going all in on this for projects of a certain size or reach.
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Kelly Ohlson; legislative management software - Utilities is a big part of the organization and its
enterprise funds – why aren’t the enterprise funds contributing to the cost instead of all General Fund?
Tyler Marr; I don’t’ think we have thought through this with that level of detail, but I will commit to is
that before bringing this forward as an appropriation, having a conversation with Travis and the
Utilities folks. We will see if we can come up with a proportional component of the software, if that is
something the committee is interested in.
Kelly Ohlson; it is not a make for break for me, but I think it is a valid question as I think we usually
break things out that way. We break some management salaries out that way – between Utilities and
General Fund.
Travis Storin; there is something to unpack there, I would say that the Utilities are ahead of the rest of
the organization in terms of change management. They have a person on staff
Kelly Ohlson; slide 5 (see below) Can you translate the Bottom Line for me?
Tyler Marr; historically, we have brought you the costs that a new software package would entail.
It might have some implementation dollars, but likely will just be ongoing subscription costs and
then staff would absorb the time and resources needed to get that across the finish line.
For projects that meet that big criteria and represent legacy, multi decade system that take years
(and not these two projects) but could take millions of dollars to shift. We think the risk is too
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great to only focus on the software itself. The change in philosophy is saying, what else is required
to make these projects work, given that there is a good track record in the city organization.
We need project management, change management and staff backfill capacity.
We hope they are few and far between, but we know we have a few of them.
Kelly Ohlson; does our website search engine fall into this category?
Tyler Marr; because we are going with the single vendor approach, I anticipate we will get some co
benefits out of the resourcing for the legislative software. We are actively working on changes
there too.
Kelly Ohlson; I am fine with this.
Tyler Marr; I viewed these numbers as caps, given that they are on different timelines, we will only
spend what is needed which is a general operating assumption.
Kelly Ohlson; my trust level is very high with the organization -I know when you bring these items,
you are presenting the best and most accurate information – trust does matter to me in this role.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Travis Storin; next year – coming off of all of the sustainable funding work and kind of splitting at
the ballot box across the two revenue initiatives.
We did have two others for renewals that the staff will be looking to surface in 2024.
1) ¼ cent capital tax CCIP formally known as BOB
2) Streets pavement quality and pavement management program
Those would be in November of 2024 if the council agrees to refer them to the ballot.
We would be looking to add some work session time with the full council early in 2024.
½ cent sales tax that did pass - We are looking at an internal process similar to BFO but a mini BFO.
Departments who are eligible for that funding; Transit, Climate, Parks & Recreation. We plan to
bring that to Council Finance in March or April to review what is above and below the line.
Dollars will start to flow in 2024 as the sales tax goes into effect. That process will be in the spring.
There will be considerable committee time on both topics. There is some really nice compatibility.
with some of the early year Council priority setting in January and February – we are looking for a
work session to start the topic and get full Council input to guide our committee level work for the
year.
Emily Francis; that sounds like a good plan.
Meeting adjourned
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COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
February 23, 2023
Staff: Lance Smith, Utilities Senior Director of Strategic Finance
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION – Utilities 2023 Capital Improvement Plans and Strategic Financial Plan
Updates for the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Utilities
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the Council Finance Committee with an overview of the
planning processes underway within Fort Collins Utilities. This agenda item will focus on the Water,
Wastewater and Stormwater Enterprise Funds. The Light & Power Enterprise Fund was presented for
discussion last December. The 2023 Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) and the 2024 Strategic Financial
Plans for each utility are outlined and attached. The resulting investment projections set the basis for
beginning the 2025-26 Budgeting For Outcomes (BFO) cycle. The overall 10-year rate projections for each
utility is also presented here along with the forecasted debt issuance needs.
Recognizing that these utilities share customers, a more comprehensive view is also taken here of how the
combined plans will impact what our community pays for utility services over the coming decade and the
levels of service to be expected for such. The capital improvement plans are intended to maintain the
current levels of service for each utility through sustainable asset renewal plans and targeted new
infrastructure. This can be achieved through the higher than previously anticipated rate increases being
planned, and timely debt issuances shown here.
For the 2025-26 Budgeting For Outcomes process the table below summarizes the impact of the
proposed rate increases for the average residential customer.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Does the Council Finance Committee support the Utilities Strategic Financial Plan assumptions
ahead of the 2025-26 BFO cycle? In particular, the projected rate increases necessary to meet
anticipated revenue requirements.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
This is a continuation of the discussion that began in December with the presentation of the Electric utility
financial plan and associated rate and debt forecasts. With this presentation of the Water, Wastewater
and Stormwater utility’s financial picture, any feedback will be utilized in developing the initial 2025-26
budget offers. After discussing each of these utility services, the comprehensive picture is presented and
the forecasted impacts on customer utility costs can be seen. The feasibility of the financial paths
presented is then discussed.
2023 2024 2025 2026
Res idential Utility Cost Baseline % Change Bill % Change Bill % Change Bill
Electric $84.20 5.0% $88.41 6.0% $93.71 5.0% $98.40
Water $51.00 4.0% $53.04 7.0% $56.75 9.0% $61.86
Wastewater $35.61 4.0% $37.03 6.0% $39.26 8.0% $42.40
Stormwater $22.42 3.0% $23.09 6.0% $24.48 6.0% $25.95
Total $193.23 4.3% $201.58 6.3% $214.20 6.7% $228.60
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Strategic Financial Planning Process
The strategic financial planning process is intended to provide a long-term plan for the efficient and
effective financial management of each utility in a manner that is consistent with the City’s values and
mission and aligned with the City’s biennial Budget Process and Strategic Planning Process. Much of the
long-term strategic direction for each utility requires significant capital investment spanning more than one
budget cycle making a long-term capital improvement plan necessary to support the strategic plan.
Whereas strategic planning sets the operational direction of where the utilities are going in the future,
strategic financial planning provides a financial context for this movement. The strategic financial plans
ensure the long-term operational and fiscal objectives and level of service targets for each of the utilities
are met in a financially sustainable and resilient manner. The three main financial metrics from a long-
term financial planning perspective are:
1. Operating Margin > 3.0%
2. Debt Coverage Ratio > 2.0
3. Annual Rate Adjustments < 5.0%
The confidence in the long-term financial modeling that is the basis of these forecasts depends on the
assumptions used in the modeling. Some of those assumptions are macro-economic assumptions
around long-term inflation, how inflation affects the cost of debt service through the associated interest
rates and how well the economy is doing in general. The recent pandemic has stressed the economy
with supply chain constraints, yet it has also highlighted the necessity for utility services as is reflected in
the relatively stable revenues for such. Other assumptions are more micro-economic and, as such,
depend on internal efforts to effectively manage operating costs along with capital and resource planning.
The financial resiliency of each of these utility enterprise funds relies on active management of ongoing
operating and maintenance expenses, as well as planning for large capital expenditures and strong
leadership over the coming decade.
The capital investment required to maintain the current levels of service provided by each of the four
utility services to the community requires a long planning horizon and consistent reevaluation and
prioritization. Ahead of the biennial budget process beginning both the 10-year Strategic Financial Plan
and the associated 10-year Capital Improvement Plan are updated and presented to the Council Finance
Committee for discussion to ensure that adequate operating revenues are expected to support the City
Manager’s Recommended Budget.
Water Enterprise Fund
The 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the Water Fund consists of projects needed to provide
an adequate water supply such as Halligan Reservoir, a modern water quality laboratory, some
improvements needed at the water treatment plant and asset renewal both at the plant and the water
distribution infrastructure. It is anticipated in the CIP that it will take a few years to reach the targeted
asset renewal rate of 1.0% per year.
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The 2023 CIP for Water has $458M of capital investments through 2033. This is a 60% increase over the
2021 plan. The 2023 CIP includes significant additional funding needed for the Halligan Reservoir -
$308M compared to $120M in 2021.
Water Operations
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The financial modeling involved in updating the strategic financial plan analyzes operating revenues and
expenses to determine the amount of operating income that can fund capital investment before issuing
any new debt.
Operating revenues have grown modestly over the past decade through rate increases while total water
sales have remained almost flat. Based on the projected revenue requirements for O&M and capital
investment revenues are projected to grow at a rate significantly higher than the past decade at 7.9%
compared to 1.9% since 2013.
The colored area represents the 80% confidence band around the expected operating revenue.
Water O&M expenses have increased at an inflationary rate over the past decade. This has been
achieved through active management. The rate and debt issuance forecasts in the plan assume that
O&M will increase at a rate close to the rate of inflation of 3.5% annually through 2033.
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The colored area represents the 80% confidence band around the expected operating expense.
By limiting O&M to a more modest rate of growth than in the past 2 years it is expected that the Water
Fund will generate sufficient operating income consistently to fund asset renewal investments at a level of
50-75% of the targeted levels. This will limit the amount of debt issuance that is necessary over the
coming decade.
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Water Rate and Debt Forecasts
Rate increases are anticipated to be significantly over inflationary pressures in the coming decade due to
significant changes in the necessary capital investments which require higher adjustments to ensure
adequate operating revenue is generated to support the system renewal investments. Some debt is
anticipated to be needed for capital investments over the next decade, as well.
It should be recognized that actual revenues realized from a rate increase are not typically the full amount
of the rate increase. There is some elasticity to rate adjustments. Additionally, most utility services are
weather dependent, so it is possible to occasionally realize more or less revenue than anticipated in rate
design for a given year although this weather variability is expected to balance out over an extended
period.
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 4.0% 4.0% 7.0% 9.0% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10%
Debt Issued ($M)$154.0 $43.0
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Water Adopted Rate Increase 4.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Realized Revenue Increase -8.8% 1.7% 1.7% 4.2% -6.1%
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Wastewater Enterprise Fund
Wastewater CIP
The Capital Improvement Plan for the Wastewater Fund includes improvements necessary at both water
reclamation facilities, a modern pollution control laboratory and a ramping up of investment in asset
renewal programs for the collection system. Prioritization of the capital projects will need to be
considered before the 2025-26 budget process to ensure investments are made where needed the most.
The amount of anticipated capital investment is greater than what has been made over the previous
decade by a factor of over three, consistent with what has been seen in the other wet utilities in 2023.
This will require significant operational planning and project management to ensure that the bond revenue
is utilized efficiently.
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Wastewater Operations
Operating revenues have grown very modestly over the past decade at 1.9% annually after going through
some larger rate adjustments through 2012. Moderate rate adjustments will be necessary going forward
to increase revenues in this fund as wastewater services are not metered but rather depend on the
amount of water being consumed by a customer. Conservation efforts on water usage can negatively
impact revenues for the wastewater utility. Almost no revenue growth in residential services over the past
decade combined with reduced commercial wastewater demands has put rate pressure on the
wastewater utility.
The colored area represents the 80% confidence band around the expected operating revenue.
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Wastewater O&M has increased modestly over the past decade as well and is expected to continue to
grow modestly at around the historical inflationary level of 3-5%.
The colored area represents the 80% confidence band around the expected operating expense.
By limiting O&M to a more modest rate of growth in all departments it is expected that the Wastewater
Fund will generate sufficient operating income consistently to fund asset renewal investments at 50-75%
of the targeted levels. This will limit the amount of debt issuance that is necessary over the coming
decade.
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The growing difference between the operating revenue and operating expense allows for more asset
renewal to be funded with less debt issuances than would be necessary without such operating income.
Moderate rate adjustments will allow for pledged revenues to be sufficient for any anticipated debt
issuances over the next few decades.
Wastewater Rate and Debt Forecasts
As the table below shows, there will be the need to issue debt for several capital investments over the
next decade. The first such issuance should be done in 2025 as part of the 2025-26 BFO cycle.
Moderate rate adjustments will be necessary to increase the net pledged revenues available for debt
service as the debt is issued.
Again, actual revenues realized from a rate increase are not typically the full amount of the rate increase.
It is typical to realize more or less revenue than anticipated in rate design for a given year due to customer
response to rate signals.
Stormwater Enterprise Fund
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 4.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8%
Debt Issued ($M)$59.0 $52.0 $59.0
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Wastewater Adopted Rate Increase 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 2.7% 1.1% 7.3% -1.9% -2.0%
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Stormwater CIP
The Capital Improvement Plan for the Stormwater Fund includes new cost estimates for all anticipated
initial buildout projects. Updating the cost estimates, along with some preliminary design refinements to
some of the project requirements, increased the anticipated 10-year capital investment needed to build
out the stormwater infrastructure from $171M in the 2021 CIP to $239M in the 2023 CIP. Cost
adjustments for stream restoration projects are also included in the plan which now shows $35M in
stream restoration projects in addition to the water quality and flood protection projects. The CIP will
require investing almost 4 times as much each year in capital infrastructure than the previous decade’s
level of investment. This will require significant operational planning and project management to ensure
that the bond revenue is utilized efficiently.
The CIP with the current projection of flood protection and stream rehabilitation work is shown below.
The trend in the anticipated capital investments seen in all 4 utility’s CIPs is cautionary. With each review
and update of the capital improvement plans there is an escalation of the estimated total investment
required. This is being driven primarily by higher cost estimates for known capital projects but also from
new projects being identified.
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Stormwater Operations
Operating revenues have grown modestly over the past decade at an annual rate of 2.7% primarily
through annexations and infill development along with some modest rate adjustments.
The colored area represents the 95% confidence band around the expected operating revenue.
Stormwater O&M has increased at a higher rate of 6.0% annually over the past decade as more
infrastructure is built requiring more O&M. The financial forecast recognizes this but assumes that the
growth can be managed to increase at the rate of inflation.
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The colored area represents the 95% confidence band around the expected operating expense.
By managing O&M growth to a more modest rate of growth than in the past 2 years while increasing
charges for stormwater services it is expected that the Stormwater Fund will generate sufficient operating
income consistently to fund asset renewal investments at a level of 75-90% of the targeted levels. This
will limit the amount of debt issuance that is necessary over the coming decade.
The growing divergence between the operating revenue and operating expense is necessary to increase
the net pledged revenues necessary to cover the increased outstanding debt over the next few decades.
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Stormwater Rate and Debt Forecasts
With the strong operating income being generated every year in this utility only providing a fourth of the
anticipated capital investment required to fully build out the infrastructure for the community, it will be
necessary to issue significant debt to complete the remaining flood mitigation infrastructure. The table
below shows the amount of debt that is anticipated to be issued over the next decade. There will be the
need to issue debt for several capital investments over the next decade. The first such issuance was
done in 2023 as part of the 2023-24 BFO cycle. The next issuance is expected in 2026 as part of the
2025-26 BFO cycle. Moderate rate adjustments will be necessary to increase the net pledged revenues
available for debt service as the debt is issued.
As with the other utilities, actual revenues realized from a rate increase are not typically the full amount
of the rate increase. Because customer growth has driven revenue increases in the recent past, this utility
has seen a consistently higher growth in revenues than the associated rate increases.
Conclusions and Next Steps
Over the past two meetings ten-year rate and debt forecasts have been discussed which indicate that the
significant capital investments expected over the coming decade can be achieved for each utility
independently. However, it is also necessary to look more holistically at the impact of these plans on our
community. Because of significant increases on the CIPs, larger rate increases will be needed in the next
budget cycle to fund capital investments. The longer-term rate projections shown above are subject to
change as active measures are developed and taken to manage O&M expenses to more modest rates of
growth than in the most recent few years. The table here shows a combined rate impact to our ratepayers
that is larger than we have seen since 2012.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - PowerPoint presentation
Attachment 2 – 2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan – Light & Power
Attachment 3 - 2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan - Water
Attachment 4 – 2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan - Wastewater
Attachment 5 – 2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan - Stormwater
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 3.0% 3.0% 6.0% 6.0% 5-7% 3-5% 4-6% 4-6% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8%
Debt Issued ($M)$45.0 $58.0 $76.0
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Stormwater Adopted Rate Increase 3.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 4.6% 0.0% 0.7% 2.7% 2.6%
2023 2024 2025 2026
Res idential Utility Cost Baseline % Change Bill % Change Bill % Change Bill
Electric $84.20 5.0% $88.41 6.0% $93.71 5.0% $98.40
Water $51.00 4.0% $53.04 7.0% $56.75 9.0% $61.86
Wastewater $35.61 4.0% $37.03 6.0% $39.26 8.0% $42.40
Stormwater $22.42 3.0% $23.09 6.0% $24.48 6.0% $25.95
Total $193.23 4.3% $201.58 6.3% $214.20 6.7% $228.60
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Headline Copy Goes Here
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Headline Copy Goes Here 2Purpose and Direction Sought
•Objective:
•Provide an update on the Capital Improvement Plans and Strategic Financial Plan for
the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Enterprises
•Recommend strategic path forward to meet 10 year operational and financial
objectives ahead of the 2025-26 Budget cycle
•Direction Sought:
•Does the Council Finance Committee support the Utilities Strategic Financial Plan
assumptions ahead of the 2025-26 BFO cycle? In particular, the rate increases
associated with the anticipated revenue required? •
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Headline Copy Goes Here 3Utilities Strategic Financial Plan
•Objectives
•Maintain adequate reserve balances such that:
•Meet Minimum Reserves Policy
•Reserves and revenues adequate to cover near term capital
requirements
•Maintain current credit ratings for each Enterprise Fund and the City
•Avoid rate spikes through moderate, gradual rate increases
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Headline Copy Goes Here 4Changes in Modeling Assumptions
•Macro-economic changes:
•In 2022 inflation returned to levels not seen in 40 years which has adversely affected operating costs as
well as the costs of materials and labor for capital projects.
•
•The Federal Reserve has responded to the growth in inflation by raising interest rates in a short time,
which in turn is increasing the cost of capital.
•Capital Improvement Plans:
•Total capital investments over the next 10 years have increased significantly for all utility
enterprises
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Headline Copy Goes Here 5
Water
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Headline Copy Goes Here 6Water CIP
2023 Operating Revenue was $31MPage 53 of 210
Headline Copy Goes Here 7Water Rate and Debt Forecasts
Water Rate Pressures:
•2023 CIP is 60% higher than the 2021 CIP – 1% replacement goal; Poudre pipeline; Water Quality
Lab
•Halligan debt issuances – 2021 CIP had $107M for Halligan vs. $240M in 2023 CIP
•Development fees declining – down $1.0M in 2023 from 2022
•Water revenues declined 8%, or $1.6M, in 2023 from 2022 despite a 4% rate increase
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Rate Increase 2.0% 2.0% 1-3% 1-3% 1-3% 2-3% 2-3% 2-4% 2-4%
Debt Issued ($M)$86.0 $86.0
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 4.0% 4.0% 7.0% 9.0% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10%
Debt Issued ($M)$154.0 $43.0
2021
2024
These were increased to
4% in mid-year 2022
due to inflation
Driven by not meeting
operating margin target (-8%
in 2023) & DCR going forward Ongoing prioritization and
review of the CIP may lower
these.
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Headline Copy Goes Here 8
Wastewater
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Headline Copy Goes Here 9Wastewater CIP
2023 Operating Revenue was $24.5MPage 56 of 210
Headline Copy Goes Here 10Wastewater Rate and Debt Forecasts
Wastewater Rate Pressures:
•2023 CIP is 94% higher than the 2021 CIP – Headworks; 1% replacement goal; Pollution Control
Lab
•Larger debt issuances needed for CIP
•Development fees declining – down $1.1M in 2023 from 2022
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Rate Increase 2.0% 2.0% 1-3% 1-3% 1-3% 2-3% 2-3% 2-4% 2-4%
Debt Issued ($M)$33.0 $60.0 $21.0
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 4.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8%
Debt Issued ($M)$59.0 $52.0 $59.0
2021
2024
These were increased
to 4% in mid-year 2022
due to inflation
No debt was
issued
Driven by declining operating
margin due to recent O&M
growth & the need to meet
Debt Coverage Ratio going
forward
Ongoing prioritization and
review of the CIP may
lower these.
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Headline Copy Goes Here 11
Stormwater
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Headline Copy Goes Here 12Stormwater CIP
2023 Operating Revenue was $18.9MPage 59 of 210
Headline Copy Goes Here 13Stormwater Rate and Debt Forecasts
Stormwater Rate Pressures:
•2023 CIP is 40% higher than the 2021 CIP – Magnolia Outfall / Maple Outfall; higher cost
estimates
•O&M growth is highest among the Utilities at 6% annually the past decade and 10% in 2023
•Development fees declining
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
Rate Increase 2.0% 2.0% 3-5% 3-5% 3-5% 2-3% 2-3% 2-4% 2-5%
Debt Issued ($M)$80.0 $43.0
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 3.0% 3.0% 6.0% 6.0% 5-7% 3-5% 4-6% 4-6% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8%
Debt Issued ($M)$45.0 $58.0 $76.0
2021
2024
These were increased
to 3% in mid-year
2022 due to inflation
$40M in debt
was issued
Driven by declining operating
margin target due to recent
O&M growth, increased debt
service costs & DCR going
forward
Ongoing prioritization and
review of the CIP may
lower these.
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Headline Copy Goes Here 14Rates, Revenues, & Expenses 2014-2034
Enterprise Rate Increase (%/yr)Operating Revenue (%/yr) Operating Expenses (%/yr)Operating Margin (%/yr)Operating Income ($M/yr)
Fund Historical
2014-2023
Forecast
2024-2033
Historical
2014-2023
Forecast
2024-2033
Historical
2014-2023
Forecast
2024-2033
Historical
2014-2023
Forecast
2024-2033
Historical
2014-2023
Forecast
2024-2033
L&P *3.2% 5.7%3.0% 5.6%2.2% 5.6%-0.2% 1.6%($1.5)$3.1
Water 2.0% 8.5%1.9% 7.9%2.6% 4.3%10.2% 15.6%$3.3 $7.8
Wastewater 1.9% 8.5%1.9% 7.6%1.6% 4.5%16.1% 18.7%$3.9 $6.6
Stormwater 1.2% 7.5%2.7% 8.1%6.0% 4.4%39.8% 39.4%$7.6 $10.1
* Reflects only financial information related to Light & Power (not including Connexion)
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Headline Copy Goes Here 15Debt and Reserves 2014-2034
Enterprise Outstanding Debt Principal Debt Issued Available Reserves Annual Capital
Investment ($M/yr)
Fund 2013 2023 2033 2024-2033 2013 2023 2033 2014-2023 2024-2033
L&P *$13 $41 $78 $120-150M $16 $77 $5-15M $14 $37
Water $10 $1 $191 $225-300M $9 $50 $10-20M $13 $43
Wastewater $38 $11 $150 $175-225M $12 $18 $10-20M $9 $28
Stormwater $26 $40 $174 $150-225M $3 $18 $5-15M $7 $29
* Does not include Connexion debt (which will be at $93M at the end of 2033)
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Headline Copy Goes Here 16Residential Rate Impact
2023 2024 2025 2026
Residential Utility Cost Baseline % Change Bill % Change Bill % Change Bill
Electric $84.20 5.0% $88.41 6.0% $93.71 5.0% $98.40
Water $51.00 4.0% $53.04 7.0% $56.75 9.0% $61.86
Wastewater $35.61 4.0% $37.03 6.0% $39.26 8.0% $42.40
Stormwater $22.42 3.0% $23.09 6.0% $24.48 6.0% $25.95
Total $193.23 4.3% $201.58 6.3% $214.20 6.7% $228.60
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Headline Copy Goes Here 17Purpose and Direction Sought
•Objective:
•Provide an update on the Capital Improvement Plans and Strategic Financial Plan for
the Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Enterprises
•Recommend strategic path forward to meet 10 year operational and financial
objectives ahead of the 2025-26 Budget cycle
•Direction Sought:
•Does the Council Finance Committee support the Utilities Strategic Financial Plan
assumptions ahead of the 2025-26 BFO cycle? In particular, the rate increases
associated with the anticipated revenue required? •
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Headline Copy Goes Here
Page 65 of 210
Headline Copy Goes Here 19Revenues and Rate Changes
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Light & Power Adopted Rate Increase 5.0% 2.0% 3.0% 5.0% 5.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 2.5% 2.6% 5.0% 3.0% 2.1%
Water Adopted Rate Increase 4.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Realized Revenue Increase -8.8% 1.7% 1.7% 4.2% -6.1%
Wastewater Adopted Rate Increase 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 2.7% 1.1% 7.3% -1.9% -2.0%
Stormwater Adopted Rate Increase 3.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 4.6% 0.0% 0.7% 2.7% 2.6%
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Headline Copy Goes Here 20
Light & Power
Page 67 of 210
Headline Copy Goes Here 21Light & Power CIP
2022 Operating Revenue not used for Purchased Power expense was $53M
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
$70,000,000
$80,000,000
$90,000,000
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Light & Power Capital Improvements 2023-2033
System Additions
Substations
Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks
Annexations
Technology and Other
Ave Annual Capital 2013-2022
Ave Annual Capital 2024-2033
Page 68 of 210
Headline Copy Goes Here 22Light & Power Rate and Debt Forecasts
•Two debt issuances are necessary for electric infrastructure in 2026 and 2029
•Rate increases between 5% and 8% are expected to be necessary to meet
operational objectives in this new economic environment
Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 5.0% 6.0% 5.0% 5-8% 7-8% 7-8% 7-8% 3-5% 3-5% 3-5%
Debt Issued ($M)$61.0 $76.0
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City of Fort Collins Utilities 2024 10-Year Light & Power Strategic Financial Plan
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2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan
City of Fort Collins Utilities
Light & Power
UT
I
L
I
T
I
E
S
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Table of Contents
Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans ..................................................................................................... 3
2023 Strategic Financial Planning .............................................................................................................. 3
2023 Financial Overview ............................................................................................................................ 4
2023 Revenues ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2023 Expenses ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Long-Term Financial Analysis ................................................................................................................... 7
Revenue Analysis.................................................................................................................................... 7
Expenditure Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 11
Operating Income Analysis................................................................................................................... 17
Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis ......................................................................................... 19
Debt Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Reserves Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 25
Rate Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Financial Risk Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 29
Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan .................................................................................................. 30
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Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans
The strategic financial plans are intended to provide a 10-year plan for the efficient and effective
financial management of each utility in a manner that is consistent with the City’s values and mission
and aligned with the City’s biennial Budget Process and Strategic Planning Process. Much of the long-
term strategic direction for each utility requires significant capital investment spanning more than one
budget cycle and while the magnitude of the required investment may be included in the capital
improvement plans, the financial capacity and strategies to meet these challenges is beyond the scope of
such plans. Capital improvement projects should be prioritized through an asset management program
to ensure alignment with the City’s strategic objectives and proper planning to achieve the targeted
levels of service for each utility to our community.
Whereas strategic planning sets the operational direction of where the utilities are going in the future,
strategic financial planning provides a financial context for this movement. The strategic financial plans
ensure the long-term operational and fiscal objectives and level of service targets for each of the utilities
are met in a financially sustainable and resilient manner. The strategic financial plans outline the
projected financial health, long-term revenues and expenditures, debt position and recommended
financial strategies necessary to achieve the operational objectives and targeted levels of service for each
of the four utilities over the next 10 years.
There are three main financial strategies with associated metrics that are intended to maintain the
financial health of each utility:
1) Generate a modest operating margin annually that is sufficient to fund asset renewal.
2) Maintain a debt coverage ratio adequate to ensure all future debt issued is rated as being
investment grade debt.
3) Through long-term planning adjust rates as needed to meet revenue requirements through
modest, gradual annual adjustments.
2023 Strategic Financial Planning
The 2023 strategic financial planning process began with an assessment of what has changed since the
previous plan. On a macro-economic scale these changes include:
• In 2022 inflation returned to levels not seen in 40 years which has adversely affected operating
costs as well as the costs of materials and labor for capital projects.
• After the COVID-19 pandemic supply chain constraints created scarcity in some electric
equipment, particularly transformers which has caused a 150-300% cost increase.
• The Federal Reserve has responded to the growth in inflation by raising interest rates in a short
time, which in turn is increasing the cost of capital.
More specific to the Light & Power and Telecommunications Enterprise Fund changes that have an
impact on the financial modeling for this plan are:
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• Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) is finalizing a new Integrated Resource Plan which is
expected to be filed with the State of Colorado sometime in 2024 leading to some uncertainty in
the wholesale rate projections utilized in this effort.
• Development has slowed considerably in 2023 resulting in significantly less Electric Capacity
Fees (ECF) being received in 2023 than 2022 creating more uncertainty of future ECF revenue
projections utilized in this effort.
• Consistent with the 2021 Strategic Financial Plan, in October of 2023 a new debt issuance was
completed at a coupon rate of 5.000% for a par value of $59,400,000 providing the electric
utility with $40,818,986 of new capital at a par value of $39,035,000.
With those headwinds as a background, the long-term financial model was updated with the most recent
financial data and consideration given to how these challenges could impact the 10-year forecast. The
result of the modeling is discussed below beginning with a review of the 2023 fiscal year followed by an
analysis of revenues, expenses, operating income, capital investments, debt capacity and rates more
monthly services. A financial risk register follows the ten-year rate and debt issuance forecast which is
the final output from the model. The 10-year Capital Improvement Plan is included as an appendix to
conclude the plan.
2023 Financial Overview
Note: This enterprise fund consists of both an electric utility (a.k.a. Light & Power) and an internet utility
(Connexion). With the exception of the revenue bonds, this report only speaks to the electric utility.
Financially, 2023 was better than budgeted as operating income exceeded the budget by $6.4M
primarily due to lower than anticipated operating expenses. As the table below shows, the metrics
associated with the three main financial strategies from a long-term financial planning perspective were
met in 2023. The operating margin, the excess in operating revenues after covering all operating
expenses including depreciation, continued above the targeted level in 2023 driven by a 5.0% rate
increase at the upper limit of the targeted range as well as limited growth in operating expenses.
Challenges and uncertainty remain in operating expenses that will likely require rate adjustments in the
next 10 years that exceed the targeted limit of 5.0% annually to maintain this positive operating margin.
Strategic Financial Plan
Target 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Operating Margin > 2.0%2.9% 3.9% 6.5% 2.5% -1.1%
Debt Coverage Ratio > 2.00 1.6 2.9 3.1 3.4 3.0
Rate Adjustment < 5.0%5.0% 2.0% 3.0% 5.0% 5.0%
Operating Margin = (Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges) - (Operating Expenses including depreciation)
(Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges)
Debt Coverage Ratio = (Operating Income before depreciation + Development Fees + Earned Interest)
(Annual Debt Service Expense)
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Operating revenues have grown at an annualized rate of 3.24% over the past decade through gradual,
modest rate adjustments. This has driven revenue growth despite total energy sales being essentially flat
over that period with modest customer growth offset by conservation efforts. The rate increases have
allowed for the operating income to turn positive beginning in 2020 as operating expenses have grown at
a slower rate. However, inflationary pressures being seen across the utilities for materials and labor
resulted in Light & Power operating expenses growing at 5.4% in 2022 and 4.4% in 2023. The result of
which has been a declining trend in the operating margin since 2021 making it more difficult to limit
rate increases to less than 5.0% annually in the future.
It should be noted that in the table summarizing the strategic metrics above, the debt coverage ratio is
shown as Light & Power covering all outstanding debt for this Enterprise Fund. This is because the
Enterprise Fund itself is liable for all outstanding debt. The Enterprise Fund has outstanding debt of
$145.3M at the end of 2023 related to Connexion, however, because it is not directly associated with
electric infrastructure, it is not driving any rate adjustments for electric services in this analysis. A
$59.40M debt issuance was completed in 2023 with the proceeds being divided between Connexion
with $20.37M and the Light & Power utility receiving the $39.03M balance. The table shows that the
Light & Power utility did not generate enough revenue to meet the targeted debt coverage ratio of 2.0 by
itself. However, the combined electric and internet net pledged revenues are expected to be sufficient to
maintain the targeted debt coverage ratio of 2.0 for the combined $188.40M of outstanding debt.
2023 Revenues
Total revenues associated with electric services grew by 1.23% in 2023 over 2022 despite operating
revenues increasing by 3.49% due to less revenue from development fees. Revenues for residential
services remain the largest revenue source at close to 40% of all revenues.
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2023 Expenses
While operating expenses increased at a more reasonable rate of 4.4% in 2023, total expenses for
electric services and capital investment grew 8.7% in 2023 over 2022. PRPA purchased power costs
comprised 63% of total expenses with operating expenses associated directly with the Light & Power
distribution system making up another 25%, capital investments 7% and the payment in lieu of taxes to
the City’s General Fund the remaining 5%.
Operating expenses were below budget in 2023 by $5.5M primarily due to lower than anticipated energy
purchases. The purchased power expense from Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) was $2.75M
below budget which does not reflect any weather normalization. Aside from the PRPA generation and
transmission expenses, Light & Power operations and administrative expenses were very close to
budget. Administrative expenses are expected to be below budget before the financials are fully settled
for 2023 over the next few months. PILOTs refer to the 6% transfer to the General Fund for payment in
lieu of taxes (PILOTs) and exceeded budget based on realized operating revenues which themselves
were higher than budgeted. Energy Services were $2.9M below budget, or $1.0M below the total
investment made in 2022. Just as revenues are budgeted conservatively, expenses are budgeted
adequately to ensure that the annual appropriations made by City Council are not exceeded according to
the Municipal Code.
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Long-Term Financial Analysis
Revenue Analysis
Light & Power revenues consist of operating revenues and non-operating revenues. Operating revenues are
generated from monthly charges for services which includes a 6% payment in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) that is
transferred to the General Fund of the City. Non-operating revenues, which comprise only 4.6%, or $7.6M, of
total revenues, consist of development fees, interest revenue on cash reserves, and other miscellaneous revenues.
Approximately 63% of these combined revenues are passed directly through to Platte River for generation and
transmission charges and 6% of operating revenues attributable to PILOTs is transferred to the General Fund.
The remaining 31% of revenues are available to the Light & Power Enterprise Fund for operational and capital
expenses although, as a standing practice, non-operating revenue should not be relied upon for operational
expenses. Energy conservation and renewable energy programs are also funded through this remaining 31%.
The pie chart here shows how operating revenues were generated in 2023.
Operating revenues exceeded the budget by just $0.8M in 2023 primarily driven by continued growth in
commercial sales. This reflects a shift back to historical levels from what was seen immediately after
the COVID pandemic began in March of 2020 when there was a significant shift on commercial
revenues to residential customers. Commercial and industrial combined revenues were closer to the
budgeted amounts in 2023 than in 2022. Non-operating revenues from development fees were half what
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was realized in 2022 and, as such, were inadequate to cover the system additions and replacements
completed in 2023. Revenues are budgeted conservatively to account for weather variability and other
uncertainties and the rather wet, mild weather in 2023 negatively impacted operating revenues.
From a longer-term perspective, operating revenues for this fund have grown substantially over the previous
decade from $115M in 2013 to $154M in 2023 while the amount of energy consumed by the community has
remained flat over the same period. Overall customer energy use due to customer count growth has just outpaced
energy conservation efforts resulting in reduced energy use per customer but an overall 0.2% annual increase in
total energy consumed. Thus, the significant growth in operating revenues is attributable entirely to rate increases
that have occurred since 2013 and not growth in consumption.
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The table below shows the annual revenues by major categories for the past 5 years. Residential revenues have
been growing more steadily than commercial and industrial revenues over the last 5 years. (The data here is not
adjusted for weather to accurately represent the revenues received.) The table also shows that the non-lapsing
revenues over this same period have come mostly from development fees. Electric development fees peaked in
2022 and then decreased significantly in 2023. The volatility of development fees is much greater than that of
operating revenues requiring caution before relying on development fee revenues for necessary capital
improvements or forecasting revenues.
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Customers 75,656 76,821 77,681 78,450 79,458
Annual Rate Adjustment 5.00% 5.00% 3.00% 2.00% 5.00%
Residential Elec Services 51,585,680$ 57,979,597$ 60,523,864$ 61,485,070$ 62,862,624$
Commercial Elec Services 42,832,683$ 41,396,010$ 44,605,125$ 46,623,109$ 48,614,724$
Industrial Charges for Services 32,700,560$ 31,746,182$ 32,596,311$ 33,146,742$ 34,700,139$
Green Energy Program 363,727$ 241,815$ 151,080$ 166,704$ 177,614$
PILOTs 7,648,671$ 7,879,394$ 8,275,820$ 8,480,635$ 8,783,741$
Operating Revenue 135,131,321$ 139,242,998$ 146,152,200$ 149,902,260$ 155,138,842$
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio 3,492,813$ 3,345,800$ 6,586,157$ 8,690,197$ 4,773,111$
Interest Revenue 478,827$ 431,580$ 376,089$ 778,429$ 1,216,764$
Other Misc 2,075,589$ 1,231,444$ 1,841,472$ 1,375,669$ 1,591,841$
Non-Operating Revenue 6,047,229$ 5,008,824$ 8,803,718$ 10,844,296$ 7,581,716$
Total Revenues 141,372,407$ 144,251,822$ 154,961,355$ 160,746,556$ 162,720,558$
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Looking at revenues on an annual percent change basis shows a longer-term trend of 3% annual growth since
2013 with 2023 showing 3.49% growth in operating revenues but only a 1.23% growth in total revenues. The
decrease in development fee revenues completely offset the increase in operating revenues in 2023. This re-
emphasizes that revenue growth is being driven by rate increases and those rates for monthly charges have
increased above the rate of inflation (0-2% prior to 2022) over each time horizon.
Taking all this historical perspective into account, the stochastic financial model considers the next ten-year
horizon. Looking forward, revenues are expected to continue trending upward as customer growth continues and
rate adjustments are implemented for Platte River Power Authority to meet the 2030 climate goals and the
distribution system is renewed. Beneficial Electrification will be a focus in the coming decade which may
increase energy sales and in turn revenues. The graph below shows a forecasted annual growth of 5.2% in future
operating revenue (solid green line) which exceeds the 3.0% growth over the past decade. The green area shows
the range of revenues considered in the stochastic analysis for the long-term financial model.
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Trend
5 Yr
Annualized
Trend
3 Yr
Annualized
Trend
1 Yr
Annualized
Trend
Customers 1.48%1.27%1.13%1.28%
Annual Rate Adjustment 3.24%4.00%3.33%5.00%
Residential Elec Services 3.30%4.60%2.73%2.24%
Commercial Elec Services 2.90%3.28%5.50%4.27%
Industrial Charges for Services 2.95%1.44%3.01%4.69%
Green Energy Program -6.69% -14.12% -9.77% 6.54%
PILOTs 3.06%3.34%3.69%3.57%
Operating Revenue 3.06%3.33%3.67%3.49%
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio -0.59% 2.10% 12.57% -45.07%
Interest Revenue 11.07% 23.14% 41.27% 56.31%
Other Misc 8.01% -1.86% 8.93%15.71%
Non-Operating Revenue 1.99%3.19% 14.82% -30.09%
Total Revenues 3.01%3.32%4.10%1.23%
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Non-operating revenues are expected to remain within the range seen over the past decade with modest inflation
offsetting the impacts of redevelopment becoming more common requiring less development fees than “green
field” development and investment policies remain conservative. The uncertainty in non-operating revenues over
the next decade appears large due to the volatility of the development fees. Any unanticipated grant revenue
would positively impact the financial health of the utility and as such is not modelled here although efforts are
being made to find applicable federal or state grants. Non-operating revenues are expected to remain a relatively
insignificant contributor to total revenues at less than 10% of total revenues in the coming decade.
Expenditure Analysis
Light & Power expenses consist of operating expenses directly incurred on the distribution system including labor
and material expenses, as well as the purchase of energy from PRPA and indirect customer service and
administrative costs, and non-operating expenses. Light & power non-operating expenses include capital
investments made in renewing existing assets and adding additional distribution infrastructure to serve new
customers.
The pie chart below shows operating expenses for Light & Power in 2023.
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The table below reflects the most recent three years of expenses. Internal Transfers Out include the
appropriations made for a new customer information and billing system. Purchased Power expenses
continue to increase as PRPA moves forward with closing the coal-fired power plant and Rawhide
before 2030 in support of the City’s Our Climate Future goals and State requirements.
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Light & Power operating expenses are shown below from a longer-term perspective in the categories consistent
with the monthly financial operating report. Depreciation is a non-budgetary operating expense that is also
included here as it represents the amount of value lost in existing assets. Ideally, this lost value represents a
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minimal level of capital investment in the renewal of existing assets to ensure the long-term reliability of the
system. Total operating expenses have grown at an annual rate of 2.7% over the past decade. Without
depreciation and PRPA expenses considered, operating expenses have grown at an annual rate of 4.3% over the
past decade. PRPA expenses have grown at a more modest rate of 2.4% over the previous decade but are
anticipated to grow at a rate closer to 5-7% going forward. This rate of annual growth for all operating expenses
is assumed to be tightly managed in the analysis and forecasts below.
Operating expenses in the Light & Power Fund have grown at the rate of inflation over the past decade. The most
critical factor in the financial health of this Fund is to manage operational expenses with a targeted growth rate of
3.0% annually. The increased capital investments in system renewal should help with O&M labor expense, as the
Connexion build-out has done since 2018, but significant attention will need to be given to operational expenses
within each Business Unit to ensure adequate revenues to make these investments.
The table below shows operating and non-operating expenses by the major categories shown in the Monthly
Financial Operating Report (MOR). Depreciation is estimated for 2023 in this table and analysis.
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Purchased Power – Tariff 1 – Historically, increased purchase power costs have been offset immediately by
increased operating revenues through rate increases each year. The upward trend is driven mainly by year-over-
year wholesale rate increases from PRPA. As PRPA moves toward its 2030 goal of 100% renewable energy, it is
expected that annual retail rate adjustments of 3-5% will be needed for this expense alone until 2030. These rate
increases along with any adjustments needed to meet distribution operations and system renewal are included in
the rate projections modeled here.
Renewables PRPA - A set amount of renewable energy (76,000 MWh / yr) has been purchased each year from
Platte River toward internal renewable energy goals prior to 2021. These costs were rolled into the Tariff 1
purchased power costs beginning in 2021.
Community Renewables – The growth seen here over the past decade was driven primarily by the Solar
Purchased Power Program (SP3) which took advantage of a State program allowing for any renewable energy
purchased under certain conditions to count triple toward the Renewable Energy Standard for investments prior to
2015. This was accomplished through 20 year purchased power agreements at a fixed rate. Ongoing adoption of
distributed generation will continue to increase this expense through similar purchased power agreements as well
as rooftop solar excess energy purchases. The amount of energy purchased from community generators increased
6.8% in 2023 alone and has increased by 25% over the last 5 years.
L&P Operations – This line item represents the largest and most direct expenses associated with providing
electric services to the community that is managed by Light & Power. These expenses have been managed tightly
in recent years although there was an increase of 5.8% in these costs in 2023. Managing this growth to a more
moderate level in the future will be very important to the financial success of this utility.
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Purchase Power -Tariff 1 PRPA 91,707,977$ 89,411,750$ 91,717,204$ 97,065,402$ 99,253,948$
Purchase Power - Renewables PRPA 1,900,000$ 1,900,000$ -$ -$ -$
Purchase Pwr - Community Renewables 1,315,861$ 1,683,711$ 1,964,444$ 2,227,831$ 2,379,108$
L&P Operations 9,857,112$ 9,726,245$ 10,205,297$ 10,791,951$ 11,422,994$
Admin Services - CS&A 6,318,644$ 7,335,602$ 6,874,617$ 7,136,300$ 8,710,000$
Admin Services - General Fund 1,107,453$ 1,135,139$ 1,090,628$ 1,215,482$ 1,407,941$
Other Payments & Transfers 450,755$ 466,839$ 914,092$ 1,373,530$ 2,177,781$
PILOTs 7,648,671$ 7,879,376$ 8,275,820$ 8,480,635$ 8,695,240$
Depreciation 11,518,342$ 11,420,843$ 10,719,283$ 10,098,557$ 11,000,000$
Total Operating Expenses 136,572,666$ 135,804,472$ 136,608,240$ 144,028,027$ 150,348,203$
Debt Service 25,223$ 25,228$ 11,617$ 2,050$ -$
Internal Transfers Out 404,025$ 431,412$ 534,261$ 485,258$ 7,385,083$
Misc Non-operating Expenses -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
System Addition/Replacement 4,564,438$ 3,788,231$ 6,291,363$ 7,190,422$ 6,119,944$
Capital(other than Sys Add)5,758,112$ 4,053,113$ 5,250,654$ 4,156,610$ 5,628,619$
Total Non-operating Expenses 10,751,797$ 8,297,984$ 12,087,895$ 11,834,340$ 19,133,646$
Total Expenses 147,324,463$ 144,102,456$ 148,696,135$ 155,862,367$ 169,481,849$
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Energy Services – This expense category includes energy efficiency and conservation programs as well as
customer rebates and incentives. As the table below shows, these expenses have been decreasing in recent years
while the budget has remained closer to previous levels.
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) – This is a transfer to the General Fund set at 6% of operating revenues.
As such, any increase in this expense is directly offset by higher operating revenues.
Administrative Services – Administrative Service expenses from the Utilities internal Customer Service and
Administration areas increased significantly over the past few years. This is in part due to staffing issues related
to upgrading the billing system and to higher consulting costs associated with having an interim Executive
Director for almost two years. It will be important to limit growth in these expenses going forward.
Administrative Services from the General Fund has seen more modest increases over this same period.
System Additions and Capital – The intermediate term downward trend reflects the extraordinary capital
investments made 3-7 years ago which included deployment of the advanced metering infrastructure ($36M
investment) and the construction of the new Customer Service building at 222 LaPorte (~$15M investment). The
one-year change reflects the level of development seen in 2023 consistent with the significant decrease in
development fees seen in the revenues in 2023 over 2022.
Internal Transfers Out – In 2023 a significant appropriation was made for a new Customer Information and
Billing System. The transfer was made to the Utilities internal services fund as a one-time expense.
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Tr end
5 Yr
Annualized
T rend
3 Yr
Annualized
T r end
1 Yr
Annualized
T r end
Purchase Power -Tariff 1 PRPA 2.4%1.5%3.5%2.3%
Purchase Power - Renewables PRPA -100.0% -100.0% -100.0%
Purchase Pwr - Community Renewables 77.0%25.3%12.2%6.8%
L&P Operations 3.4%1.1%5.5%5.8%
Admin Services - CS&A 6.4%8.2%5.9%22.1%
Admin Services - General Fund 1.9%3.4%7.4%15.8%
Other Payments & Transfers 8.6%12.0%67.1%58.6%
PILOTs 3.0%3.1%3.3%2.5%
Depreciation 3.2%-0.4%-1.2%8.9%
Total Operating Expenses 2.7%1.6%3.4%4.4%
Debt Service -100.0% -100.0% -100.0% -100.0%
Internal Transfers Out 101.1% 157.7% 1421.9%
Misc Non-operating Expenses
System Addition/Replacement -3.0%6.4%17.3%-14.9%
Capital(other than Sys Add)-5.7%0.4%11.6%35.4%
Total Non-operating Expenses -0.6%13.0%32.1%61.7%
Total Expenses 2.3%2.5%5.6%8.7%
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Light & Power O&M expenses have increased at inflation over the past decade but has seen more pressure in
recent years. This has begun to be addressed through active management (a flattening of the curve can be seen in
2018-20). Unfortunately, inflation and delays in capital work since the COVID-19 pandemic due to resource
constraints has resulted in some growth since 2020. Looking out over the next ten years through the long-term
financial model, expenses will need to be tightly managed so as not to exceed the rate of inflation in total. This
will be particularly challenging as most of the operating revenue goes to purchased power expenses which are
expected to grow above the long-term rate of inflation – purchased power costs are assumed to increase at 5-7%
annually. The dotted black line in the chart shows the current trend in operating expenses. The solid red line into
the future assumes operating expenses other than PILOTs also grow at a rate of only 5.5% annually consistent
with the historical growth. The uncertainty in operating expenses is large and highlights the importance of
stochastic modeling rather than showing a single forecasted value a decade into the future.
Operating Income Analysis
Looking at operating revenues and expenses on the same chart shows there is more year over year variability in
operating expenses than revenues. This utility has a measurable seasonality and year-over-year weather driven
variability that must be accounted for in the financial modeling. Early in the past decade operating expenses
frequently exceeded operating revenues. However, that negative trend has been addressed in recent years.
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Looking at the operating margin, the delta between the operating revenues and operating expenses illustrates the
financial benefit to this utility from recent rate adjustments.
Looking back a little further though shows that the operating income for this Fund has been negative for 6 of the
last 10 years. This was initially an intentional effort to draw down Reserves but because of continued negative
operating income rate increases were necessary beginning in 2017 as part of the solution to address this ongoing
shortfall. Operating income turned positive beginning in 2020 with the proposed rate increases before the
pandemic and has increased through 2021 before leveling off through 2023. This trend is expected to continue
provided operating expenses are controlled, including increases to purchased power from PRPA.
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Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis
Note: Appendix A shows the anticipated capital investments and expected year of investment.
Operational goals for the Light & Power utility are focused on maintaining the current level of reliability while
moving forward with achieving the carbon-reduction objectives of the City’s Our Climate Future (OCF) plan
through energy efficiencies and renewable generation through both utility-scale and distributed generation
resources. Investment in distribution infrastructure is necessary to maintain the current level of reliability
expected by our customers and to enable beneficial electrification throughout our community. The capital
investments necessary to achieve the OCF objectives include supporting distributed energy generation and energy
storage as well as beneficial electrification efforts such as electric vehicles and electric heating. In addition to
supporting distributed energy generation and energy storage the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the
Light & Power Fund consists of projects needed to provide adequate substation and distribution capacity to
developing areas of the City, anticipated annexations, operational technology improvements and system renewal
of existing substations and underground distribution assets. The financial models require a review of the 10-year
capital investment plans and a need to re-prioritize the anticipated projects along with any new investments. An
updated CIP was developed in October 2023 ahead of discussions with the Council Finance Committee.
The current 10 Year capital improvement plan (CIP) anticipates almost 150% more capital investment over the
coming decade than was realized in the previous decade. The investments over the past decade involved
significant work by outside labor including the Utility Customer Service Building and the deployment of smart
meter infrastructure suggesting the amount of capital work intended to be done in house over the coming decade
is much more than a 150% increase. This increase is largely driven by new capacity needs, anticipated
annexations which require significant capital investment with no associated development fee revenue, a new
substation, and asset replacement of aging infrastructure.
($50,000,000)
$0
$50,000,000
$100,000,000
$150,000,000
$200,000,000
$250,000,000
$300,000,000
20
1
3
20
1
4
20
1
5
20
1
6
20
1
7
20
1
8
20
1
9
20
2
0
20
2
1
20
2
2
20
2
3
20
2
4
20
2
5
20
2
6
20
2
7
20
2
8
20
2
9
20
3
0
20
3
1
20
3
2
20
3
3
Operating Income 2013 -2033
Operating Income Operating Revenue Operating Expense
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The development of prioritized CIPs is necessary to ensure efficient use of capital to optimize the levels of service
being provided to our community. This prioritization has been an elusive goal since the first CIP was developed
in 2016. Progress has been made on identifying the service level metrics for this utility but setting service level
targets and the relative weights of those service levels remains to be done. Additionally, the 10-year CIPs have
fluctuated significantly from one budget cycle to the next (every 2 years) which makes financial planning more
challenging than more stable and refined CIPs would require for each utility including this one. This type of
volatility in long-term planning efforts is very unsettling.
The graph below shows the evolution of the Light & Power CIP over the last 3 budget cycles compared to the
2023 CIP reflecting the impacts of some of the macro-economic challenges outlined above as well as updated
planning and analysis. The growth of the number of projects in the CIP will require further consideration around
how to fully resource these projects which could result in a more even distribution of capital required than what is
shown in the chart above.
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The current 10 Year CIP consists of $332M of identified capital investments which consists of $57M of new
capital needs for the anticipated growth in system demands over the decade as well as $177M for system renewal
investments, $57M for new technology, and $41M for substation investments. Annexations are not included here
as the timing of when such investments will be necessary are not set or known yet. (All projects are identified in
2023 dollars so that a consistent inflation can be applied to all future projects.)
The following chart shows the annual capital investment made each year with the amount of approved capital
investment remaining at the end of the year. In addition to the annual lapsing appropriation for System Additions
/ Replacements which is intended to provide adequate funding to meet all new infrastructure associated with new
development, each year new capital appropriations are made for asset renewal programs and specific projects
which add the capital investment remaining from previous years. The amount of capital appropriations remaining
at the end of each year exceeds the realized annual capital investment made each year. At the end of 2023, the
amount of capital appropriated from previous budget cycles was $24.5M. This $25M shown in blue will require
more than two years to invest at the recent rate of investment without any additional capital appropriations being
requested.
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While there is some lead time related to capital investments because of the policy of fully funding each capital
investment up front, this build-up of capital work reduces the agility to adapt capital investments as priorities may
change. The capital improvement plan discussed below and included in Appendix A is recommending that an
additional $120M be appropriated in the 2025-26 budget cycle for capital work. It is recommended that a long-
term strategic resource plan be developed to execute all currently funded and future capital investments before
any additional debt is issued for any capital investment.
The electric system is almost entirely an underground distribution system that has been built over the last 30-50
years. These underground assets have performed well over their useful life, allowing the community to benefit
from a very reliable electric system, but based on the current CIP it is expected that significant capital investment
will need to be made in the coming decades to renew this aging infrastructure. The need for asset lifecycle
management strategies (from installation to replacement) for all major electric assets needs to be an area of focus
for Asset Management and L&P Operations in the next few years so that the necessary investments are prioritized
and adequate funding is available as needed in the future.
Annexations into the City limits typically result in this utility taking over service from a neighboring utility. This
requires compensating the neighboring utility for stranded assets and sometimes for lost future revenue.
Additionally, it involves reconfiguring and rebuilding the existing infrastructure without any development fee to
offset the capital investment. Thus, annexations can be a significant expense for this utility. The Mulberry
Annexation is the most significant contributor to the Annexations category as this annexation is estimated to cost
electric ratepayers at least $50M to acquire and rebuild the infrastructure to meet standards as well as requiring
the addition of a new substation to adequately serve these customers and other growth in the northeast corner of
the growth management area.
Debt Analysis
Last Bond Rating: AA- (in 2023)
While operating revenues are intended to cover all operating expenses, debt issuances are an important source of
funding for capital investments for any utility. Debt issuances also establish generational equity by having the
generation of customers benefiting from the investment funding the investment through the debt repayment rather
than having current customers pay for investments that are necessary to serve future generations. Given the
significant increase in capital investment that is expected over the next decade, significant levels of debt will be
necessary even after the use of all available reserves and anticipated development fees.
The long-term financial modeling relies on objective criteria to drive financial decisions such as when to issue
debt. The use of objective criteria allows for future debt issuances to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning
as to why an issuance is needed in any given year based on the current CIP. Debt issuances are based on the
following criteria.
1. If capital investments are anticipated to exceed available reserves over the next 3 years a debt issuance is
assumed to be sufficient to cover the next 2 years capital investments and leave 125% of the minimum
required reserve. This recommendation is presented to the Council Finance Committee ahead of the
biennial budget cycle.
2. Because there are costs associated with debt issuances, a balance is struck between frequently issuing debt
and making efficient use of the generated capital by limiting the frequency of debt issuances to no more
than once every 3 years.
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The electric utility had historically operated without any debt prior to 2010. While this was a very strong
financial position, it was one that resulted in cross-generational subsidies as assets were bought by one generation
of ratepayers and then effectively used by subsequent generations of the community. This should be revisited
particularly when interest rates are extremely low which may not last much longer based on recent inflationary
pressures.
In 2018 this utility issued two revenue bonds totaling $142M in electric revenue bonds to support the ballet
approved initiative to build Connexion. In 2023 an additional debt issuance was made for $60M, $40M of which
is to be used for system renewal of the electric distribution system and the remaining $20M for the final build-out
of the internet service area. Both issuances were initially rated and continue to be rated as investment grade debt
with an AA- bond rating.
The 2018 debt issuances were reviewed by Standard and Poor’s and Fitch again in 2023 which reaffirmed the
debt’s (AA-) bond rating based on the realized electric revenues and financial outlook. The output from the long-
term financial model that is the basis of this plan was provided to the analysts for their revised bond rating. This
modeling indicates that based on the most recent CIP it will be necessary to issue debt likely again in 2026 or
2027 to fund the anticipated $60M in capital investments over these two years.
The chart below shows the historical and future debt related with electric capital investments including a potential
$61M issuance in the 2025-26 budget cycle. (This chart does not include the $145M outstanding debt related to
Connexion which is tied through the bond covenants to electric revenues.)
The debt coverage ratio for this Fund has been well above the bond covenant minimum requirements of 1.15-1.2
as well as above the internally recommended ratio of 2.0 necessary to be viewed as favorably as possible by the
rating agencies. This has been met even when recognizing the debt associated with Connexion (although the
chart below does not include that debt). Meeting the recommended minimum debt coverage ratio may not be
possible in the next few years due to a combination of uncertainties around development fees and broadband
revenues and the increased debt service expense associated with the 2023 debt issuance.
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The actual debt capacity for this utility Enterprise Fund is somewhat variable due to the large amount of revenues
collected from development fees as well as the utility’s operating income before depreciation. Despite this
variability, necessary debt issuances are not expected to degrade the bond rating below the current (AA-) rating.
The debt capacity of the Enterprise Fund is limited by the outstanding debt held by PRPA as the rating agencies
recognize the proportional ownership of that debt by Fort Collins Utilities. The stochastic modeling assumes that
future interest rates would fluctuate within a range between 3.0 and 6.0%.
Debt Capacity Estimation
Interest Rate:5.00%
Net Pledged Revenue (5yr ave):$19,916,200
Debt
Coverage
Ratio
Debt Capacity
(10 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(15 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(20 yr Debt)
1.0 $154 $207 $248
1.2 $128 $172 $207
1.4 $110 $148 $177
1.6 $96 $129 $155
1.8 $85 $115 $138
2.0 $77 $103 $124
2.2 $70 $94 $113
2.4 $64 $86 $104
2.6 $59 $80 $96
2.8 $55 $74 $89
3.0 $51 $69 $83
Outstanding Debt in 2023:$188.4 M
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Reserves Analysis
Financial Management Policy 5 specifies Fund Balance Minimums for Enterprise Reserves. It also states that
additional reserves should be set aside for anticipated capital investments. The graph below reflects the total Fund
Balance as well as the portion of that balance that is available for capital appropriations above and beyond the
minimum required reserve balance and any existing capital appropriations. The long-term financial modeling
objectively determines when additional capital investment should come from Available Reserves and when it
should come through rates or more immediately through debt issuances.
Based on the actual financials compared to the 2023 budget where realized revenues exceeded realized expenses
by $4.2M, it is estimated that over $44M was added to Available Reserves in 2023 including the $40M of bond
proceeds.
The available fund balance is expected to continue to decrease due to the significant capital investment identified
in the CIP requiring additional debt issuances over the next 3-5 years. The actual increase in Available Reserves
reflected below is being driven by the timing of debt issuances and the capital investments in the unprioritized
CIP. A more strategic approach would result in slightly lower rate increases and less debt issuances being needed
to achieve the same capital investments.
In early 2022 it was determined that an additional $20M in funding was needed for Connexion to complete the
initial build-out of the fiber infrastructure. After consideration of several potential financing approaches including
issuing new debt, it was determined that use of Available Reserves within the shared enterprise fund was the best
approach. Connexion will compensate the electric utility for the lost interest it would have earned on the
Available Reserves. This intra-enterprise agreement was adopted by the City Council in March 2022. The chart
below reflects this executed arrangement.
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Rate Analysis
The rate structure for residential customers has changed twice in the past decade. In 2012, a three-tiered, seasonal
increasing block rate structure was adopted with the intent of encouraging energy conservation. This change from
a flat, non-seasonal rate structure was implemented along with an 8.3% rate increase which resulted in significant
community pushback that first year. The intent of the three-tiered residential rate structure was to promote energy
conservation. Based on analysis done in 2013 comparing weather normalized residential use in 2011 and 2012
there was no measurable change in energy consumption.
Then in 2015, after the deployment of the advanced metering infrastructure, a twelve-month rate pilot study was
done considering a seasonal, time-of-use residential rate as well as a seasonal, tiered, time-of-use residential rate.
The result of this pilot was the adoption of the seasonal, tiered, time-of-use residential rate for all customers
beginning in October of 2018. The result of this implementation was reviewed in 2019 and showed a statistically
significant reduction of 1.9% in total energy consumption as well as a statistically significant reduction in the
residential contribution to the coincident peak of 7.5%. Subsequent wholesale power increases have been less for
Fort Collins residents than in the other PRPA cities due to these reductions and the resulting load curve.
The chart below shows the weekday residential TOU rate schedule. Weekends and holidays are considered off-
peak.
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Prior to the 2015-16 budget cycle rate adjustments were subjectively determined. Beginning with the 2015-16
budget cycle objective financial metrics were established to determine necessary rate adjustments. This change
allowed for future rate adjustments to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning as to why a rate adjustment is
needed in any given year. There are three financial metrics which drive the need for a rate adjustment.
1. Operating Income – If the combined operating income for the previous two years was negative, a rate
increase is made in the next year sufficient to generate enough operating income in the coming two years
to offset those losses. The two-year period allows for some weather or economic variability and is
consistent with the City’s biennial budget cycle.
2. Debt Coverage Ratio – A debt coverage ratio is recommended by the bond rating agencies to support the
current enterprise fund bond ratings. This debt coverage ratio is well above the minimum specified in the
bond covenants which could trigger bondholders to request a rate increase on their behalf. If the debt
coverage ratio is forecasted to drop below 2.0 in the coming year, a rate increase sufficient to raise the
debt coverage ratio to 2.1 is assumed in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council
Finance Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
3. Available Reserves – If an enterprise’s reserve balance is anticipated to drop below the minimum required
reserve level in the next year, a rate increase sufficient to maintain the minimum required reserve is made
at the beginning of that year in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council Finance
Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
The sum of these three rate adjustments is the needed rate adjustment for the following year. In addition to these
three objective criteria for rate adjustments, a 5.0% ceiling is imposed in any given year, consistent with the stated
objective of “gradual, modest rate adjustments”, which may require smoothing such an increase over the two
years of a budget cycle to not have a large rate increase one year and then no rate adjustment the next. These
same objective criteria are applied to the other 3 utility’s financial models.
It needs to be recognized that actual revenues realized from a rate increase are not typically the full amount of the
rate increase. That is to say, there is some elasticity to rate adjustments. Additionally, most utility services are
weather dependent, so it is possible to occasionally realize more revenue than anticipated in rate design for a
given year although this weather variability is expected to balance out over an extended period.
For this enterprise fund there is also a need to adjust rates to offset any wholesale purchased power rate increases
from PRPA. As purchased power expenses are approximately 70% of annual operating expenses, 70% of any
wholesale rate increase needs to be made to retail rates to offset this cost increase. This is included within this
rate analysis.
The results of the financial modeling which applies the same objective strategies for raising rates and issuing debt
as the other utilities are presented below along with the forecasted debt issuances in 2026 and 2029. This ten-year
rate forecast is shared with the community to be open and accountable to the ratepayers.
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Li ght & Power Adopted Rate Increase 5.0% 2.0% 3.0% 5.0% 5.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 2.5% 2.6% 5.0% 3.0% 2.1%
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Higher rate adjustments will be necessary for at least some years in the coming decade of approximately 7-8% to
offset anticipated PRPA wholesale rate increases toward their 100% renewable by 2030 goal. Additional rate
increases will be necessary for distribution investments as well to fund the anticipated capital needs of the
distribution system. The combination of these two rate pressures will require either limiting capital investment on
the distribution system which will likely decrease system reliability and performance or exceedance of the 5.0%
rate ceiling. The graph below assumes that it will be necessary to increase rates as much as 8.0% in some future
years.
In 2019 a pilot rate was implemented for low-income customers called the Income Qualified Assistance Program
(IQAP). This program is intended to reduce the utility burden for these customers to the same portion of
household income as a customer with the median area household income by providing a discount of
approximately 25% on their electric, water and wastewater monthly charges. In 2021, IQAP customers’ average
monthly electric bill was $57.02 compared to other residential customers who paid $76.26 on average. This pilot
program was adopted as a new rate for qualified customers in 2022.
Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 5.0% 6.0% 5.0% 5-8% 7-8% 7-8% 7-8% 3-5% 3-5% 3-5%
Debt Issued ($M)$61.0 $76.0
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Financial Risk Assessment
Below is a list of identified financial risks for this utility. Each risk is preliminarily categorized as high, medium
or low according to both the likelihood and consequence of it being realized. Further assessment of these
financial risks, particularly with operational input, may change the likelihood and consequence of each and may
identify other significant financial risks. This additional assessment should be done as part of the biennial budget
cycle. These financial risks are associated with operational management and anticipated capital needs and
highlight the need for close collaboration between the financial and operational departments within Utilities as
well as the importance of having a refined, prioritized 10-year capital improvement plan rather than an a more
exhaustive list of potential capital needs that may or may not be necessary.
Risk RealizationRisk ID Risk Likelihood Consequence Mitigation Needed?Risk Description
LPFR1 CIP Volatility High High Yes
Long-term financial planning requires planning for uncertainties with more uncertainty requiring more conservative planning to achieve expected financial metrics; significant volatility on long-term capital plans increases uncertainty in the actual capital investment needs leading to inefficient use of capital, higher rate increases and less financial agility to meet operational needs
LPFR2 Undefined Service Level Metrics / Targets / Weights Medium High Yes
The impact of high CIP volatility can be lessened by optimizing such investments to meet expected levels of service through an objective, quantitative prioritization methodology based on predefined service level metrics with established targets and relative weights; not having these tools to optimize capital investment poses a significant financial risk to the utilityLPFR3Operating Expense Increases Medium High Yes OpEx assumed to not exceed 3.0%; exceedance would limit funds for capital needs and drive further rate increasesLPFR4PRPA 100 % by 2030 costs Medium Medium Beyond Control Wholesale increases are expected annually of 2-3% through 2030; higher increases will limit room for increases to meet distribution needs and contribute to rate fatigue
LPFR5 Retail Rate Fatigue Medium Medium Beyond Control Annual rate adjustments will be necessary to meet both wholesale and distribution needs; rate fatigue would require a financial reassessment of ability to meet operational targetsLPFR6Higher Debt Service Costs Medium Medium Beyond Control As bond coupon rates increase, debt capacity decreases for a given level of net pledged revenuesLPFR7Unidentified Capital Projects Medium Low No As service level targets are established and asset management plans developed and Beneficial Electrification is implemented unanticipated capital needs may require more capital investment than currently plannedLPFR8Municipal Broadband Financial Support Low Medium No Any additional financial support from electric ratepayers will limit capital for L&P needsLPFR9System Reliability Low Low No A real or perceived decline in service reliability could accelerate system renewal investments and lead to less efficient use of capitalLPFR10Resource Constraints on Capital Projects High Medium Yes
Internal and external labor and material constraints could delay execution of funded capital projects
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Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan
Below is a list of identified capital projects expected to be completed over the next decade. These projects are
grouped into the following categories:
System Additions – infrastructure that will be necessary to serve new growth areas
Substation Improvements – system renewal costs for substation infrastructure as well as an additional substation
to serve the northeast portion of the community
Transformers, Cables and Duct Banks – system renewal costs for existing distribution transformers, cables and
duct banks
Annexations – anticipated annexation areas will require acquisition of existing infrastructure from neighboring
utility providers as well as upgrading that infrastructure to the City’s standards
Technology and Other Improvements – improvements to existing buildings used to house staff and warehouse
stock as well as capital projects associated with updating / adopting new technologies
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Capital Category 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 TOTALS
System Additions $5,725,243 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $62,725,243
Substations $3,523,000 $23,222,900 $6,637,841 $1,747,254 $1,815,572 $1,659,639 $1,870,013 $1,057,052 $1,081,414 $1,136,056 $1,060,988 $44,811,731
Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks $17,192,509 $38,907,935 $17,621,816 $12,698,215 $12,671,368 $12,824,445 $11,833,821 $9,974,287 $10,941,906 $9,693,906 $10,148,602 $164,508,811
Annexations $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Technology and Other $9,227,441 $12,057,113 $10,508,139 $5,028,947 $5,900,262 $4,703,693 $5,806,246 $3,158,926 $4,161,740 $3,164,695 $2,167,798 $65,885,000
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)$3,308,754 $23,670,129 $6,049,522 $33,028,406
Totals $38,976,947 $103,558,078 $46,517,318 $25,174,417 $26,087,202 $24,887,777 $25,210,081 $19,890,265 $21,885,060 $19,694,658 $19,077,388 $370,959,191
FY2223
Row Labels 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034
1680 Subdivision Construction Total (System Additions)
16800000 System Addition (Subdivisions and Others)$5,725,243 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $5,700,000 $62,725,243
1680 System Additions (Subdivision Construction) Total (System Additions)5,725,243$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 5,700,000$ 62,725,243$
501001 Substations Total (Substations)
501001A001 Battery Banks Repair/Replacement $20,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $200,000
501001A002 Battery Chargers Repair/Repalcement $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $200,000
501001A003 LTC (Load Tap Changer) Repair/Maintainence $105,000 $105,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $360,000
501001A005 HVAC Units Repair/Replacement $44,000 $44,000 $44,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $232,000
501001A006 Transformer Radiator Repair/Replacements $78,000 $103,000 $103,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $584,000
501001A011 Transformer Repair/Refurbishing $250,000 $257,500 $265,225 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $1,172,725
501001A017 Substation Misc Capital $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $1,100,000
501001A018 Substation Basalite Walls - NEW $500,000 $550,000 $605,000 $665,500 $732,050 $3,052,550
501001A020 Equipment For CVR (Conservation Voltage Reduction)$75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $825,000
501001A013 Transformer Oil Filtration $140,000 $144,200 $148,526 $152,982 $157,571 $162,298 $167,167 $172,182 $177,348 $182,668 $188,148 $1,793,091
501001A014 Substation Security & Surveillance $250,000 $250,000 $300,000 $15,000 $15,450 $15,914 $16,391 $16,883 $17,389 $17,911 $18,448 $933,385
501001A010 Wildlife Mitigation $100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $600,000
501001A012 Preventative Maintenance $100,000 $103,000 $106,090 $109,273 $112,551 $115,927 $119,405 $122,987 $126,677 $130,477 $134,392 $1,280,780
501001A009 Substation Modernization $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $2,750,000
501001A009 Relay Upgrades/Replacements $189,000 $350,000 $350,000 $100,000 $100,000 $1,089,000
501001A013 Substation Maintence Equipment $250,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $200,000 $1,350,000
501001A016 Power Quality Systems $15,000 $30,000 $30,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $135,000
501001A019 Substation Basalite Walls - Harmony Repair $1,407,000 $1,407,000 $2,814,000
501001A012 Capacitor Banks - New/Replacements $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $160,000
501001A004 Oil Containment Walls (12 transformers)$70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $770,000
501001A022 New Northeast Substation $6,649,200 $3,761,000 $10,410,200
501001A023 New Northeast Substation Land Acquisition $1,500,000 $1,500,000
501001A024 PRPA Drake Upgrade/Move Request $11,500,000 $11,500,000
501001 Substations Total (Substations)3,523,000$ 23,222,900$ 6,637,841$ 1,747,254$ 1,815,572$ 1,659,639$ 1,870,013$ 1,057,052$ 1,081,414$ 1,136,056$ 1,060,988$ 43,750,743$
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)$1,407,000 $21,056,200 $3,761,000
501005 Feeders Total (Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks)
501005D004 Install circuit 936 to unload circuits 804, 834, and 906 $0
501005D011 Install circuit 324 to unload circuit 308 (Active in 2023)$1,040,000 $1,040,000
501005D012 Install circuit 302 to serve Mulberry Annexation $2,160,000 $2,160,000
501005D055 Circuit 602 to serve NE Developments - Ph3 Mt Vista $1,300,000 $1,300,000
501005D060 Install circuit 624 to serve Developments in NE Ft. Collins $1,080,000 $1,080,000
501005D076 Install circuit 706 to unload circuits 704 and 738 (see also 501005D079) (Transfort chargers)$500,000 $500,000
501005D078 Circuit 628 to serve NE developments - Ph1 Mt Vista (Montava)$1,300,000 $1,300,000
501005D079 Upgrade and Extend 722 to unload circuits 704 and 738 (See 501005D076) (Transfort chargers)$1,292,000 $1,292,000
501005D080 Extend East Vine Circuit 622 - Railroad to I25 $395,000 $395,000
501005D081 Circuit 324 Carriage pky ph1 - Prospect to fox grove $220,000 $220,000
501005D082 New Circuit 338 to serve Mulberry developments $1,080,000 $1,080,000
501005D083 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 1 $528,000 $528,000
501005D084 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 2 $648,000 $648,000
501005D085 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 3 $628,800 $628,800
501005D086 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 4 $744,000 $744,000
501005D087 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 5 $744,000 $744,000
501005D088 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 6 $1,044,000 $1,044,000
501005D089 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 7 $888,000 $888,000
501005D090 Circuit - NE Sub Ckt 8 $1,044,000 $1,044,000
501005D091 Circuit - Timberline 338 extension $612,000 $612,000
501005D092 Balance Ckt 822 $528,000 $528,000
501005D093 Extend Circuit 638 to unload circuit 608 $696,000 $696,000
501005D094 Circuit Tie Harmony 536 to 526 $3,370,000 $3,370,000
501005D095 New Ckt 314 from Timberline to unload Ckt 332 -$226,000
501005D096 New Ckt 538 from Harmony to unload 548 $300,000
501005D097 New Circuit 566 from Harmony to unload Harmony 534 $328,000 $328,000
501005D098Extend Linden circuit 722 to 700 Wood St for second ATO circuit $270,000
501005D099 New Circuit 806 to unload 822 (New Development)$879,000
501005 Feeders Total (Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks)$2,226,000 $3,346,000 $1,080,000 $4,644,000 $1,504,000 $4,204,000 $1,128,800 $1,356,000 $2,424,000 $888,000 $1,044,000 $22,169,800
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)$528,000
FY2526 FY2728 FY2930 FY3132 FY3334
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Capital Category 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 TOTALS
501008 Duct Banks Total (Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks)
501008D081 Duct Bank to serve NE FC Devel Ph 1 (Montava)$1,102,200 $1,102,200
501008D090 Duct Bank on Carriage Pkwy Phase 2 - Fox Grove to Forelock Dr (1X2 w/ 20% Contingency) (501004D005 Clydesdale Park Annexation)$0
501008D091 Duct Bank on Carriage Pkwy Ph 3- Forelock Dr to Mulberry (1X2 w/ 20% Contingency)$140,000 $140,000
501008D093 Duct Bank on Mulberry -Timberline to Carriage Pkwy (2X4 w/ 20% Contingency)$2,239,200 $2,239,200
501008D094 Overland Trail Duct Bank Drake to Prospect (1X2 w/ 20% Contingency)$570,000 $570,000
501008D095 Duct Bank Extend East Vine Circuit 622 - Railroad to I25 $825,000 $825,000
501008D096 Duct Bank on Carriage Pkwy Phase 1 - Prospect to Fox Grove (501004D005 Clydesdale Park Annexation)$0
501008D097 Duct Bank - NE circuit 1 & 2 $352,800 $352,800
501008D098 Duct Bank - NE circuit 3 $2,376,000 $2,376,000
501008D099 Duct - Timberline 338 Extension (Bloom Ciruit)$1,368,000 $1,368,000
501008 Duct Banks Total (Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks)$0 $1,368,000 $1,102,200 $825,000 $2,732,000 $570,000 $2,376,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $8,973,200
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501012 System Cable Replacements & Repairs Total (Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks)8 1/0 projects 8 1/0 projects 8 1/0 projects 4 1/0 projects 4 1/0 projects 4 1/0 projects 2 1/0 projects 2 1/0 projects 2 1/0 projects
501012C009 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 11 - Scotch Pines $125,162 $125,162
501012C012 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 12 - Woodlands PUD $106,874 $106,874
501012C014 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 14 - Village West 9th - Rossborough $120,238 $120,238
501012C016 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 16 - Parkwood East $164,118 $164,118
501012C017 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 17 - Trail West PUD $242,485 $242,485
501012C018 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 18 - Edora Acres $136,152 $136,152
501012C019 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 19 - Evergreen Park 0 $90,106 $90,106
501012C020 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 20 - The Ridge PUD $140,972 $0 $140,972
501012C021 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 21 - West Azalea $42,158 $42,158
501012C023 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 23 - Village West 3rd $111,397 $111,397
501012C024 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 24 - Wagon Wheel $88,936 $88,936
501012C025 CAPITAL - Replacement Area 25 - Brown Farm 4th $75,780 $75,780
501012F020 Cable Replacements - Ongoing $700,000 $1,131,071 $1,198,935 $1,270,871 $654,678 $693,959 $735,596 $378,936 $401,672 $425,772 $7,591,490
501012F021 Feeder Cable Replacements - Ongoing $400,000 $412,000 $538,000 $570,280 $604,497 $640,767 $679,213 $719,965 $763,163 $808,953 $857,490 $6,994,328
Cable Repairs (Splices)$67,500 $67,500 $135,000
501012 System Cable Replacements Total (Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks)$1,436,001 $1,587,876 $1,736,571 $1,769,215 $1,875,368 $1,295,445 $1,373,171 $1,455,562 $1,142,099 $1,210,625 $1,283,263 $16,165,196
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501014 Transformers
501014F022 Distribution Transformer Purchases (Ongoing)$8,320,000 $6,850,000 $5,365,000 $5,400,000 $6,500,000 $6,695,000 $6,895,850 $7,102,726 $7,315,807 $7,535,281 $7,761,340 $75,741,004
501014F023 Distribution Transformer Replacements (307 1Ph)$1,505,532 $1,656,085 $1,821,694 $4,983,311
501014F024 Distribution Transformer Replacements (34 3Ph)$336,222 $369,844 $406,829 $1,112,895
501014F024 Distribution Voltage Regultaors $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 60000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $660,000
501014 Transformers Total (Transformers, Cables & Duct Banks)$10,221,754 $8,935,929 $7,653,522 $5,460,000 $6,560,000 $6,755,000 $6,955,850 $7,162,726 $7,375,807 $7,595,281 $7,821,340 $82,497,210
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)$1,901,754 $2,085,929 $2,288,522
501004 Annexations Total (Annexations)
501004C001 Mail Creek Crossing 2nd Filing (2029)$380,937 $380,937
501004C002 Strauss Cabin Enclave (2028)$144,387 $144,387
501004C003 Fox Hills Annexation (2030)$131,654 $131,654
501004C004 Blehm_(REA) Annexation (2027)$386,804 $386,804
501004C004 Blehm_(Xcel) Annexation (2027)$39,150 $39,150
501004D005 Clydesdale Park First & Second Annexations (2031)$2,148,251 $2,148,251
501004D007 Riverwalk (2032)$579,694 $579,694
501004D008 Arapahoe (2032)$347,021 $347,021
501004D006 Southwest Annexation - Phase 4 (2027)$3,690,000 $3,690,000
501004D001 Miller Enclave (2028)$370,688 $370,688
501004D002 Mulberry Enclave (2028, 2030-2037)$433,585 $8,737,275 $5,784,480 $5,784,480 $5,784,480 $10,105,878 $36,630,178
501004 Annexations Total (Annexations)$0 $3,690,000 $0 $425,953 $948,661 $380,937 $8,868,929 $7,932,731 $6,711,195 $5,784,480 $10,105,878 $44,848,764
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
1940 Minor Capital - Vehicles & Equipment Total (Technology and Other)
19400000A04 Vehicles and Equipment- Clear backlog from supply chain issues $1,000,000 $1,000,000
19400000 Minor Capital - Vehicles & Equipment $400,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $3,900,000
19400000A05 Technician & Crew Vehicles $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $4,950,000
19400000A03 Existing Vehciles Upgrades $25,000 $25,000 25000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $275,000
19400000A05 Tools and Equipment Uupgrades/Replacements $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $550,000
19400000A06 Underground Boring System $500,000 $500,000
19400000A07 Underground Pulling System $450,000 $450,000
19400000A09 Computer Hardware/Software- Ipads for all crew members, AVL software needs, PCs, OT EE needs $50,000 $50,000 $100,000
1940 Minor Capital - Vehicles & Equipment Total (Technology and Other)$1,925,000 $925,000 $875,000 $875,000 $875,000 $875,000 $875,000 $875,000 $875,000 $875,000 $875,000 $1,875,000
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
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Capital Category 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 TOTALS
501002 Service Center Total (Technology and Other)
501002B003 Cable Handling Facility for Cut-To-Length Program $1,575,000 $1,575,000
501002B004 700 Wood Street Backup Power and Dual Feed ATO $519,000 $519,000
501002B005 Disaster Recovery Site for SCO $400,000 $0
501002B006 Warehouse Storage Yard Covered Structure $199,000 $199,000
501002B008 Minor Renovations, Space Planning $40,000 $42,000 $44,100 $46,305 $48,620 $51,051 $53,604 $56,284 $59,098 $62,053 $65,156 $568,271
501002B008 USC Asphalt Maintenance $80,000 $80,000 $80,000
501002 Service Center Total (Technology and Other)$440,000 $641,000 $1,699,100 $126,305 $247,620 $51,051 $53,604 $56,284 $59,098 $62,053 $65,156 $2,861,271
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501009 CMMS–Maintenance Management Total (Technology and Other)
501009G002 Operational Technology - Maximo $380,000 $380,000
501009 CMMS–Maintenance Management Total (Technology and Other)$380,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $380,000
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501013 Operational Technology Total (Technology and Other)
501013G001 ADMS / OMS $1,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $5,500,000
501013G003 eSCADA Hardware/Software - Conversion/Maintenance $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $225,000
501013G011 Radio System Upgrades $628,970 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $42,642 $1,055,390
501013G012 GPS & Underground Facilities Visualization $127,926 $127,926
501013G014 L&P/Energy Services Systems Alignment $106,605 $106,605 $106,605 $319,815
501013G016 OT, Meter Shop and Substation Commissioning Lab $400,000 $300,000 $300,000 $1,000,000
501013G015 Utility Scale Energy Storage $150,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $8,150,000
501013G015 Utility Scale DER & EV Programs (Study/Pilot/Adopt/Support)$500,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $6,000,000
501013 Operational Technology Total (Technology and Other)$2,860,575 $2,524,247 $4,652,173 $1,292,642 $2,292,642 $1,292,642 $2,292,642 $1,292,642 $2,292,642 $1,292,642 $292,642 $22,378,131
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501015 Streetlights Total (Technology and Other)
501015F023 Streetlight System Replacement $986,866 $986,866 $986,866 $250,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $3,910,598
501015G009 LED Streetlight Control and Automation $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $1,320,000
501015 Streetlights Total (Technology and Other)$1,106,866 $1,106,866 $1,106,866 $370,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $5,230,598
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501016 Distribution Automation Total (Technology and Other)
501016G010 Distribution Automation/Monitoring/Sensing/FLISR/Efficiency $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $3,850,000
501016G011 Dbl Ckt Feeder Monitoring $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $180,000
501016 Distribution Automation Total (Technology and Other)$410,000 $410,000 $410,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $4,030,000
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501017 System Relocations Total (Technology and Other)
501017J001 System Relocations - Road & Intersection Projects $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $2,750,000
501017 System Relocations Total (Technology and Other)$250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $2,750,000
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501025 Advanced Metering Infrastructure Total (Technology and Other)
501025G004 AMI Equipment and Tech Upgrade $650,000 $650,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $1,435,000
501025G005 AMI Wide Area Network (WAN/Connexion)$100,000 $100,000 $200,000
501025G006 AMI Backhaul Network Hardware Tech Refresh $250,000 $50,000 $100,000 $400,000
501025G007 AMI Test Network Expansion $200,000 $200,000
501025G008 AMI New Technology Testing and Miscellaneous Capital $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $1,100,000
501025 Advanced Metering Infrastructure Total (Technology and Other)$1,300,000 $850,000 $165,000 $115,000 $115,000 $115,000 $215,000 $115,000 $115,000 $115,000 $115,000 $3,335,000
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
501026 Demand Respond Technology Upgrade Total (Technology and Other)
501026G013 Energy Services Peak Partners - DCU3 Refresh $0 $0
501026G014 Energy Services Peak Partners - GIWH $355,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $6,355,000
501026G015 Energy Services Peak Partners - EVSE $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $1,500,000
501026G016 Energy Services Peak Partners - PRO1 Thermostat Sunset $200,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $150,000 $150,000 $900,000
501026G017 Energy Services Peak Partners - Inverter Supervision & Control $300,000 $200,000 $150,000 $150,000 $800,000
501026 Demand Respond Technology Upgrade Total (Technology and Other)$555,000 $1,350,000 $1,350,000 $1,650,000 $1,550,000 $1,550,000 $1,550,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $9,555,000
ASSET RENEWAL (2023 Debt Issuance)
Grand Total $38,976,947 $103,558,078 $46,517,318 $25,174,417 $26,087,202 $24,887,777 $25,210,081 $19,890,265 $21,885,060 $19,694,658 $19,077,388 $370,959,191
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2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan
City of Fort Collins Utilities
Water
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Table of Contents
Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans ..................................................................................................... 3
2023 Strategic Financial Planning .............................................................................................................. 3
2023 Financial Overview ............................................................................................................................ 4
2023 Revenues ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2023 Expenses ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Long-Term Financial Analysis ................................................................................................................... 6
Revenue Analysis.................................................................................................................................... 6
Expenditure Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 11
Operating Income Analysis................................................................................................................... 17
Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis ......................................................................................... 19
Debt Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Reserves Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 25
Rate Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Financial Risk Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 28
Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan .................................................................................................. 29
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Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans
The strategic financial plans are intended to provide a 10-year plan for the efficient and effective
financial management of each utility in a manner that is consistent with the City’s values and mission
and aligned with the City’s biennial Budget Process and Strategic Planning Process. Much of the long-
term strategic direction for each utility requires significant capital investment spanning more than one
budget cycle and while the magnitude of the required investment may be included in the capital
improvement plans, the financial capacity and strategies to meet these challenges is beyond the scope of
such plans. Capital improvement projects should be prioritized through an asset management program
to ensure alignment with the City’s strategic objectives and proper planning to achieve the targeted
levels of service for each utility to our community.
Whereas strategic planning sets the operational direction of where the utilities are going in the future,
strategic financial planning provides a financial context for this movement. The strategic financial plans
ensure the long-term operational and fiscal objectives and level of service targets for each of the utilities
are met in a financially sustainable and resilient manner. The strategic financial plans outline the
projected financial health, long-term revenues and expenditures, debt position and recommended
financial strategies necessary to achieve the operational objectives and targeted levels of service for each
of the four utilities over the next 10 years.
There are three main financial strategies with associated metrics that are intended to maintain the
financial health of each utility:
1) Generate a modest operating margin annually that is sufficient to fund asset renewal.
2) Maintain a debt coverage ratio adequate to ensure all future debt issued is rated as being
investment grade debt.
3) Through long-term planning adjust rates as needed to meet revenue requirements through
modest, gradual annual adjustments.
2023 Strategic Financial Planning
The 2023 strategic financial planning process began with an assessment of what has changed since the
previous plan. On a macro-economic scale these changes include:
• In 2022 inflation returned to levels not seen in 40 years which has adversely affected operating
costs as well as the costs of materials and labor for capital projects.
• The Federal Reserve has responded to the growth in inflation by raising interest rates in a short
time, which in turn is increasing the cost of capital.
More specific to the Water Enterprise Fund changes that have an impact on the financial modeling for
this plan are:
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• The Halligan Reservoir cost estimate has increased significantly to just over $300M since the
previous plan. In 2021 the cost estimate was $120M. With the Environmental Impact Study
being released in late 2023 construction is now anticipated to start as soon as 2025.
• Development has slowed considerably in 2023 resulting in significantly less Plant Investment
Fees (PIFs) being received in 2023 than 2022 creating more uncertainty of future PIF revenue
projections utilized in this effort.
• While development has slowed, the cost of needed capital investments has increased so much
that it is anticipated that the level of annual capital investment will be 3.5 times in the coming
decade compared to the last decade.
• The Water Supply Requirement was updated in 2023 to reflect the current cost of water rights
and storage using the previous methodology. The fee has not been increased yet as more
discussion will be had throughout 2024 on the methodology and the cost for new development.
• Challenges and uncertainty remain in operating expenses that will require rate adjustments in
some years over the next decade that significantly exceed the targeted limit of 5.0% annually to
meet the strategic financial targets.
With those headwinds, the long-term financial model was updated with the most recent financial data
and consideration given to how these challenges could impact the 10-year forecast. The result of the
modeling is discussed below beginning with a review of the 2023 fiscal year followed by an analysis of
revenues, expenses, operating income, capital investments, debt capacity and rates more monthly
services. A financial risk register follows the ten-year rate and debt issuance forecast which is the final
output from the model. The 10-year Capital Improvement Plan is included as an appendix to conclude
the plan.
To begin the financial planning, some context is appropriate given the amount of capital investment
being requested for the coming decade. The Water Enterprise Fund generates $35-40M annually in
revenues and spends $20-25M annually on operations before depreciation and another $8-12M on
capital investments. The proposed capital improvement plan for the next decade has $438M in proposed
investments, or $44M annually. To provide adequate revenues to meet this level of investment means
either doubling rates for monthly services and doubling development fees immediately or issuing
significant debt and raising rates and fees over the next few years to cover the increased debt service and
some capital investment. While this may be possible, it is not recommended for our customers.
Additional revenues must be found through state or federal grants and a prioritization of the capital work
needs to be done to ensure the most critical capital investments are being made while other investments
are deferred beyond the 10-year horizon. The model shows that just making 50-75% of the proposed
capital investments will require rate and fee (Water Supply Requirements) increases of 7-10% annually
over the next few budget cycles.
2023 Financial Overview
Financially, 2023 was very challenging as operating revenues were $1.6M below budget while operating
expenses continued to increase. Operating expenses were $2M higher than in 2022 while operating
revenues were $3M below 2022 despite a 4% rate increase As the table below shows, two of the three
metrics associated with the three main financial strategies from a long-term financial planning
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perspective were met in 2023. However, the operating margin, the excess in operating revenues after
covering all operating expenses including depreciation, dropped precipitously below the targeted level in
2023 driven by an 8.9% decrease in operating revenues attributed a wet and mild irrigation season.
2023 Revenues
Total revenues associated with water services declined by 7.2% in 2023 over 2022 primarily driven by
operating revenues decreasing by 8.1% as well as less revenue from development fees. This drop in
operating revenues occurred despite a 4.0% rate increase implemented at the start of the year. Revenues
for residential services remain the largest revenue source at close to 45% of all revenues.
Strategic Financial Plan
Target 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Operating Margin > 2.0%-8.0% 6.7% 9.5% 11.8% 12.9%
Debt Coverage Ratio > 2.00 1.6 2.9 3.1 3.4 3.0
Rate Adjustment < 5.0%5.0% 2.0% 3.0% 5.0% 5.0%
Operating Margin = (Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges) - (Operating Expenses including depreciation)
(Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges)
Debt Coverage Ratio = (Operating Income before depreciation + Development Fees + Earned Interest)
(Annual Debt Service Expense)
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2023 Expenses
Operating expenses have increased at an accelerating rate in recent years with 2023 seeing a 6.6%
annual growth. Total expenses for water services and capital investment grew 11.1% in 2023 over 2022.
This large increase included a one-time transfer of funds for a new customer service and billing system.
Major capital comprised 28% of total expenses with operating expenses associated directly with water
treatment making up 14% and administrative expenses 12% of total expenses. The pie chart below
breaks down all cash expenses in 2023.
Long-Term Financial Analysis
Revenue Analysis
Water revenues consist of operating revenues and non-operating revenues. Operating revenues are generated
from monthly charges for services which includes a 6% payment in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) that is transferred to
the General Fund of the City. Non-operating revenues, which comprised 10.1%, or $3.5M, of total revenues,
consist of development fees, interest revenue on cash reserves, and other miscellaneous revenues. While 2023
may have been an anomaly, it does draw attention to the sensitivity of operating revenues to climate variability.
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The pie chart here shows how operating revenues were generated in 2023.
Operating revenues declined in every category in 2023 from 2022 as shown by the graph below. Non-
operating revenues from development fees were down 26% from what was realized in 2022. Revenues
are budgeted conservatively to account for weather variability based on historical demands and other
uncertainties. The decrease in water demand due to the wet, mild weather in 2023 exceeded what has
been seen in at least 10 years.
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From a longer-term perspective, operating revenues for this fund have grown modestly over the previous decade
from $25.6M in 2013 to $33.7M in 2022 before declining to $30.9 in 2023. This decline may be partly
attributable to water conservation efforts and water efficiency efforts which are both difficult to predict, however,
2023 was a very wet year leading to a significant decrease in irrigation use of potable water. The net effect being
that while rates for water service have increased at an annualized rate of 2.0% over the past decade, actual
operating revenues for water service have only increased at an annualized rate of 1.92% over that period.
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The table below shows the annual revenues by major categories for the past 5 years. (The data here is not
adjusted for weather to accurately represent the revenues received.) The non-lapsing revenues over this period
have come mostly from development fees although higher interest rates in 2023 resulted in more revenue from
interest on cash reserves than development fees. The volatility of development fees is much greater than that of
operating revenues requiring caution before relying on development fee revenues for necessary capital
improvements or forecasting revenues. Interest revenue from cash reserves will decline going forward as reserves
will be drawn down for capital investments, particularly the Halligan Reservoir project.
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Customers 35,769 36,002 36,050 36,201 36,300
Annual Rate Adjustment 0.00% 0.00% 2.00% 0.00% 4.00%
Residential Water Sales 16,436,947$ 17,612,518$ 17,619,250$ 17,482,678$ 16,448,831$
Com/Indl Water Sales 9,947,200$ 9,973,087$ 9,814,051$ 10,115,324$ 9,400,996$
District Water Sales 2,124,767$ 1,963,548$ 2,735,352$ 2,549,635$ 2,461,923$
Excess Water Surcharges 538,241$ 653,510$ 977,458$ 1,741,518$ 940,850$
PILOTs 1,660,661$ 1,727,223$ 1,793,876$ 1,802,100$ 1,709,481$
Operating Revenue 30,707,816$ 31,929,887$ 32,939,987$ 33,691,256$ 30,962,081$
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio 2,075,905$ 1,504,342$ 5,177,228$ 1,769,053$ 1,307,501$
Interest Revenue 1,468,422$ 1,009,459$ 568,170$ 1,122,897$ 1,826,360$
Other Misc 476,863$ 505,411$ 651,832$ 531,451$ 334,211$
Non-Operating Revenue 4,021,190$ 3,019,212$ 6,397,231$ 3,423,401$ 3,468,071$
Total Revenues 34,735,460$ 35,522,129$ 39,346,314$ 37,114,656$ 34,430,152$
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Looking at revenues on an annual percent change basis shows how significant the revenue decrease was in 2023
as total revenues were less than any of the previous 9 years. Again, the only bright spot being interest revenue due
to the amount of cash being held in reserve for future capital need.
Taking all this historical trending and perspective into account, the stochastic financial model considers the next
ten-year horizon. Looking out over the next decade, revenues will need to increase significantly to service
anticipated debt that will need to be issued to complete even 50% of the planned capital investments. The graph
below shows a forecasted annual growth of 7.9% in future operating revenue (solid green line) which greatly
exceeds the 1.92% annualized growth over the past decade. The green area shows the range of revenues
considered in the stochastic analysis for the long-term financial model.
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Tr end
5 Yr
Annualized
T r end
3 Yr
Annualized
T r end
1 Yr
Annualized
T rend
Customers 0.85%0.37%0.28%0.27%
Annual Rate Adjustment 2.00%1.20%2.00%4.00%
Residential Water Sales 0.88% -0.73% -2.25% -5.91%
Com/Indl Water Sales 1.93% -2.09% -1.95% -7.06%
District Water Sales 8.00%2.91%7.83% -3.44%
Excess Water Surcharges 17.54% -0.95% 12.92% -45.98%
PILOTs 1.73% -0.33% -0.34% -5.14%
Operating Revenue 1.92% -0.88% -1.02% -8.10%
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio -12.72% -16.70% -4.57% -26.09%
Interest Revenue 10.65% 9.17% 21.85% 62.65%
Other Misc -1.01% -36.14% -12.88% -37.11%
Non-Operating Revenue -5.54% -14.49% 4.73%1.30%
Total Revenues 0.58% -2.94% -1.04% -7.23%
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Non-operating revenues are expected to grow considerably from the range seen over the past decade through
adjustments to the water supply requirement and plant investment fees, both of which are assumed to grow at an
annualized rate of 10-25%. Any unanticipated grant revenue would positively impact the financial health of the
utility and as such is not modelled here. Non-operating revenues are expected to remain a relatively insignificant
contributor to total revenues at less than 10% of total revenues in the coming decade.
Expenditure Analysis
Water expenses consist of operating expenses directly incurred for sourcing, treatment and distribution including
labor and material expenses and indirect customer service and administrative costs, and non-operating expenses.
Water non-operating expenses include capital investments made in renewing existing assets and adding additional
storage as well as renewing existing source of supply infrastructure.
The pie chart below shows all operating expenses for the Water utility in 2023.
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The table below reflects the most recent three years of expenses. The significant growth in CS&A
administrative expenses reflects the creation of the One Water Director department within this internal
services fund.
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Water operating expenses are shown below from a longer-term perspective in the categories consistent with the
monthly financial operating report. Depreciation is a non-budgetary operating expense that is also included here
as it represents the amount of value lost in existing assets. Ideally, this lost value represents a minimal level of
capital investment in the renewal of existing assets to ensure the long-term reliability of the system. Total
operating expenses have grown at an annual rate of 3.9% over the past decade. However, more recent inflationary
pressures have caused operating expenses to increase by 5.4% over the past 3 years including a realized increase
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of 6.6% in 2023. This rate of annual growth for all operating expenses is assumed to be tightly managed in the
analysis and forecasts below.
Operating expenses in the Water Fund have grown above the rate of inflation over the past decade. The most
critical factor in the financial health of this Fund is to manage operational expenses to grow more modestly going
forward. The increased capital investments in system renewal could help with O&M labor expense but significant
attention will need to be given to operational expenses within each Business Unit to ensure adequate revenues are
generated to make these investments.
The table below shows operating and non-operating expenses by the major categories shown in the Monthly
Financial Operating Report (MOR). Depreciation is estimated for 2023 in this table and analysis.
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Water Treatment – These expenses are related directly to the transportation of water at the Water Treatment
Facility. While these expenses to vary due to fluctuations in the cost of chemicals, the modest decline in the
amount of water being treated has kept these expenses to a modest growth of just 3.7% over the previous 5 years.
Water Resources – Thes expenses include assessments paid to the ditch companies for the right to deliver water
to the plant. Water assessments have increased significantly in the past few years causing these costs to increase
at an annual rate of 6.2% over the past three years. The increase seen in 2023 is the result of some labor being
charged incorrectly to this business unit.
Water Quality Lab – The lab expenses are primarily labor and chemicals. These expenses have grown at a very
modest 2.5% over the past decade, and only increased 1.7% annually over the last three years.
Transmission and Distribution – This line item represents the most direct expenses associated with providing
potable water services to the community. These expenses have been growing at an unsustainable rate particularly
over the past 3 years which has seen an annualized increase of 9.6% including an increase of 15.9% in these costs
in 2023 alone. Managing this growth to a more moderate level in the future will be very important to the financial
success of this utility.
Water Metering – This expense category includes expenses associated with both meter repair and manual meter
reading. Because the number of manual reads needed has increased considerably in the past few years, these costs
have also increased at an annualized rate of 6.3% over the last 3 years, and 10.9% in 2023 alone.
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Water Treatment 5,297,349$ 5,283,967$ 6,358,275$ 6,305,042$ 6,197,227$
Water Resources 2,740,568$ 2,758,721$ 3,108,253$ 2,640,944$ 3,307,552$
Water Quality Lab 1,071,659$ 1,139,701$ 1,115,867$ 1,170,603$ 1,199,930$
Transmission & Distribution 2,874,822$ 3,046,669$ 3,207,728$ 3,460,304$ 4,008,786$
Water Meters O&M 731,864$ 753,014$ 683,176$ 815,986$ 904,716$
Engineering 548,202$ 507,376$ 539,041$ 656,621$ 584,652$
Water Conservation 950,841$ 909,387$ 889,935$ 977,241$ 1,086,942$
Admin Services - CS&A 3,699,988$ 4,288,116$ 3,961,134$ 4,171,900$ 5,060,000$
Admin Services - General Fund 853,221$ 874,551$ 871,248$ 892,950$ 1,002,229$
Other Payments & Transfers (232,853)$ 256,845$ 297,475$ 1,499,876$ 1,522,891$
PILOTs 1,660,661$ 1,727,223$ 1,793,876$ 1,802,100$ 1,693,366$
Depreciation 7,392,558$ 7,547,293$ 7,637,172$ 7,554,001$ 7,500,000$
Total Operating Expenses 27,588,881$ 29,092,864$ 30,463,181$ 31,947,567$ 34,068,291$
Debt Service 366,552$ 187,613$ 187,582$ 187,549$ 187,926$
Internal Transfers Out 328,639$ 338,191$ 401,896$ 405,399$ 4,161,878$
Misc Non-operating Expenses -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Minor Capital 900,556$ 843,903$ 944,331$ 914,643$ 817,354$
Major Capital 6,671,649$ 8,952,128$ 11,389,111$ 12,743,239$ 12,068,403$
Total Non-operating Expenses 8,267,397$ 10,321,835$ 12,922,920$ 14,250,831$ 17,235,561$
Total Expenses 35,856,278$ 39,414,699$ 43,386,101$ 46,198,398$ 51,303,852$
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Engineering – This expense category includes expenses associated with engineering services primarily associated
with project management but also includes some engineering contracted services. Because of vacancies, these
costs decreased by 11.0% in 2023 but have increased at an annualized rate of 5.5% over the last 5 years.
Water Conservation – This expense category includes expenses associated with conservation programs and
outreach. Recent years have seen more emphasis placed on water conservation and expenses have grown at an
annualized rate of 6.1% over the past 3 years, including a 11.2% increase in 2023 over 2022 expenses as outreach
increased after the pandemic.
Administrative Services – Administrative Service expenses from the Utilities internal Customer Service and
Administration areas increased significantly over the past few years, particularly in 2023, with the addition of the
One Water Director’s business unit in this internal services fund.
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) – This is a transfer to the General Fund set at 6% of operating revenues.
As such, any increase in this expense is directly offset by higher operating revenues.
Internal Transfers Out – In 2023 a significant appropriation was made for a new Customer Information and
Billing System. The transfer was made to the Utilities internal services fund as a one-time expense.
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Tr end
5 Yr
Annualized
T rend
3 Yr
Annualized
T r end
1 Yr
Annualized
T r end
Water Treatment 1.5%3.7%5.5%-1.7%
Water Resources 6.6%1.6%6.2%25.2%
Water Quality Lab 2.5%2.1%1.7%2.5%
Transmission & Distribution 5.2%6.9%9.6%15.9%
Water Meters O&M 4.0%7.3%6.3%10.9%
Engineering 19.0%5.5%4.8%-11.0%
Water Conservation 6.9%2.5%6.1%11.2%
Admin Services - CS&A 4.7%11.2%5.7%21.3%
Admin Services - General Fund 1.5%5.3%4.6%12.2%
Other Payments & Transfers 14.0%1.2%81.0%1.5%
PILOTs 1.6%-0.5%-0.7%-6.0%
Depreciation 3.1%0.8%-0.2%-0.7%
Total Operating Expenses 3.9%3.7%5.4%6.6%
Debt Service -24.7% -40.9%0.1%0.2%
Internal Transfers Out 58.0%130.9% 926.6%
Misc Non-operating Expenses
Minor Capital -3.4%-6.6%-1.1%-10.6%
Major Capital 1.5%3.9%10.5%-5.3%
Total Non-operating Expenses 1.6%4.0%18.6%20.9%
Total Expenses 3.1%3.8%9.2%11.1%
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Water O&M expenses have increased at a rate exceeding inflation over the past decade. This has begun to be
addressed through active management (a flattening of the curve can be seen in 2018-20). Unfortunately, inflation
and delays in capital work since the COVID-19 pandemic due to resource constraints has resulted in some growth
since 2020. Looking out over the next ten years through the long-term financial model, expenses will need to be
tightly managed so as not to exceed the rate of inflation in total. The dotted black line in the chart shows the
current trend in operating expenses. The solid red line into the future assumes operating expenses other than
PILOTs also grow at a rate of 4.3% annually consistent with recent inflationary pressures. The uncertainty in
operating expenses is large and highlights the importance of stochastic modeling rather than showing a single
forecasted value a decade into the future.
Operating Income Analysis
The chart below shows operating revenues and expenses together. This utility has a measurable seasonality and
year-over-year weather driven variability that must be accounted for in the financial modeling.
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Looking at the operating margin, the delta between the operating revenues and operating expenses, illustrates the
financial impacts to this utility from recent operating expense increases. The significant drop in operating
revenues in 2023 is not expected to continue year after year but does highlight the need to be able to adjust
operating expenses in such years.
Operating revenues have grown at a very modest annualized rate of 1.92% over the past decade through
gradual, modest rate adjustments. The rate increases allowed for the operating income to remain at a
healthy, positive level prior to 2023 although it had been declining as operating expenses have grown at
a slightly faster rate of 3.9% over the past decade. Inflationary pressures being seen across the utilities
for materials and labor resulted in Water operating expenses growing at 5.4% annually over the most
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recent 3-year period. The result of which has been a declining trend in the operating margin since 2018
which will make it extremely difficult to limit rate increases to less than 5.0% annually in the future.
Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis
Note: Appendix A shows the anticipated capital investments and expected year of investment.
Operational goals for the Water utility are focused on maintaining the current level of reliability while moving
forward with securing existing water supplies through the addition of storage. Investment in distribution
infrastructure is necessary to maintain the current level of reliability expected by our customers. The financial
models require a review of the 10-year capital investment plans and a need to re-prioritize the anticipated projects
along with any new investments. An updated CIP was developed in October 2023 ahead of discussions with the
Council Finance Committee.
The current 10 Year capital improvement plan (CIP) anticipates a three-fold increase in annual capital investment
over the coming decade than was realized in the previous decade. This increase is largely driven by the Halligan
Reservoir storage project with a projected cost of $300M. The 2021 CIP estimated Halligan to be a $120M
project so this increase alone is a major change in the long-term financial outlook for this utility. Construction is
expected to begin in 2025 which leaves little time to adjust rates enough to increase debt capacity ahead of the
project. Additionally, uncertainty in how the water supply requirement may change makes it difficult to forecast
the anticipated additional non-operating revenues from this development fee.
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The development of prioritized CIPs is necessary to ensure efficient use of capital to optimize the levels of service
being provided to our community. This prioritization has been an elusive goal since the first CIP was developed
in 2016. Progress has been made on identifying the service level metrics for this utility but setting service level
targets and the relative weights of those service levels remains to be done. Additionally, the 10-year CIPs have
fluctuated significantly from one budget cycle to the next (every 2 years) which makes financial planning more
challenging than more stable and refined CIPs would require for each utility including this one. This type of
volatility in long-term planning efforts is very unsettling.
The graph below shows the evolution of the Water CIP over the last 3 budget cycles compared to the 2023 CIP
reflecting the impacts of some of the macro-economic challenges outlined above as well as updated planning and
analysis. The lack of a consistent senior leadership team throughout Utilities has also impacted the CIPs as new
leaders bring new perspectives and ideas but change too quickly to refine the CIPs. The growth of the number of
projects in the CIP will require further consideration around how to fully resource these projects which could
result in a more even distribution of capital required than what is shown in the chart above.
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The current 10 Year CIP consists of $438M of identified capital investments which consists of $109M for
distribution renewal, $32M for water treatment renewal, $28M for a new water quality lab and equipment, and an
additoinal $270M for water resource infrastructure. (All projects are identified in 2023 dollars so that a consistent
inflation can be applied to all future projects.)
The following chart shows the annual capital investment made each year with the amount of approved capital
investment remaining at the end of the year. Each year new capital appropriations are made for asset renewal
programs and specific projects which add to the capital investment remaining from previous years. The amount of
capital appropriations remaining at the end of each year exceeds the realized annual capital investment made each
year. At the end of 2023, the amount of capital appropriated from previous budget cycles was $39.8M. This
$39.8M shown in blue will require more than three years to invest at the recent rate of investment without any
additional capital appropriations being requested.
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While there is some lead time related to capital investments because of the policy of fully funding each capital
investment up front, this build-up of capital work reduces the ability to adapt capital investments as priorities may
change. The capital improvement plan discussed below and included in Appendix A is recommending that an
additional $176M be appropriated in the 2025-26 budget cycle for capital work. It is recommended that a long-
term strategic resource plan be developed to execute all currently funded and future capital investments before
any additional debt is issued for any capital investment.
Debt Analysis
Last Bond Rating: AAA (prior to 2013)
While operating revenues are intended to cover all operating expenses, debt issuances are an important source of
funding for capital investments for any utility. Debt issuances also establish generational equity by having the
generation of customers benefiting from the investment funding the investment through the debt repayment rather
than having current customers pay for investments that are necessary to serve future generations. Given the
significant increase in capital investment that is expected over the next decade, significant levels of debt will be
necessary even after the use of all available reserves and anticipated development fees.
The long-term financial modeling relies on objective criteria to drive financial decisions such as when to issue
debt. The use of objective criteria allows for future debt issuances to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning
as to why an issuance is needed in any given year based on the current CIP. Debt issuances are based on the
following criteria.
1. If capital investments are anticipated to exceed available reserves over the next 3 years a debt issuance is
assumed to be sufficient to cover the next 2 years capital investments and leave 125% of the minimum
required reserve. This recommendation is presented to the Council Finance Committee ahead of the
biennial budget cycle.
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2. Because there are costs associated with debt issuances, a balance is struck between frequently issuing debt
and making efficient use of the generated capital by limiting the frequency of debt issuances to no more
than once every 3 years.
The water utility has not issued any revenue bonds in the past decade making it difficult to determine how new
revenue bonds will be rated. The main need for new issuance is the Halligan Reservoir. Low interest revenue
bonds are available through the State of Colorado State Revolving Fund and, as such, should be pursued when it
is necessary to issue debt. These bonds have favorable terms beyond the low interest rate making them even more
attractive to the water utility.
The chart below shows the historical and future debt related with water capital investments including a potential
$154M issuance in the 2025-26 budget cycle.
Because there has been little outstanding debt over the past decade, the debt coverage ratio for this Fund has been
well above the bond covenant minimum requirements of 1.15-1.2 as well as above the internally recommended
ratio of 2.0 necessary to be viewed as favorably as possible by the rating agencies. Meeting the recommended
minimum debt coverage ratio may not be possible in the next few years due to a combination of uncertainties
around development fees and the increased debt service expense associated with the anticipated debt issuance.
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The actual debt capacity for this utility Enterprise Fund is somewhat variable due to the variability seen in
operating revenues. Despite this variability, necessary debt issuances are expected to be rated as investment grade
debt. The debt capacity of the Enterprise Fund is limited by the recent fluctuation in net pledged revenues. It
may not be necessary to include unrealized losses in the Net Pledged revenue calculations. The stochastic
modeling assumes that future interest rates would fluctuate within a range between 3.0 and 4.5%.
Debt Capacity Estimation
Interest Rate:5.00%
Net Pledged Revenue (5yr ave):$12,502,400
Debt Coverage
Ratio
Debt Capacity
(10 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(15 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(20 yr Debt)
1.0 $97 $130 $156
1.2 $81 $108 $130
1.4 $69 $93 $111
1.6 $60 $81 $97
1.8 $54 $72 $87
2.0 $48 $65 $78
2.2 $44 $59 $71
2.4 $40 $54 $65
2.6 $37 $50 $60
2.8 $35 $46 $56
3.0 $32 $43 $52
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Reserves Analysis
Financial Management Policy 5 specifies Fund Balance Minimums for Enterprise Reserves. It also states that
additional reserves should be set aside for anticipated capital investments. The graph below reflects the total Fund
Balance as well as the portion of that balance that is available for capital appropriations above and beyond the
minimum required reserve balance and any existing capital appropriations. The long-term financial modeling
objectively determines when additional capital investment should come from Available Reserves and when it
should come through rates or more immediately through debt issuances.
Based on the actual financials for 2023, it is estimated that $6.8M was taken from Available Reserves in 2023.
The available fund balance is expected to continue to decrease due to the significant capital investment identified
in the CIP requiring additional debt issuances over the next 3-5 years. The actual increase in Available Reserves
reflected below is being driven by the timing of debt issuances and the capital investments in the unprioritized
CIP. A more strategic approach is necessary as not all capital investments can be funded over this decade without
significantly higher rate increases and more debt issuances being needed to achieve the proposed capital
investments.
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Rate Analysis
Prior to the 2015-16 budget cycle rate adjustments were subjectively determined. Beginning with the 2015-16
budget cycle objective financial metrics were established to determine necessary rate adjustments. This change
allowed for future rate adjustments to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning as to why a rate adjustment is
needed in any given year. There are three financial metrics which drive the need for a rate adjustment.
1. Operating Income – If the combined operating income for the previous two years was negative, a rate
increase is made in the next year sufficient to generate enough operating income in the coming two years
to offset those losses. The two-year period allows for some weather or economic variability and is
consistent with the City’s biennial budget cycle.
2. Debt Coverage Ratio – A debt coverage ratio is recommended by the bond rating agencies to support the
current enterprise fund bond ratings. This debt coverage ratio is well above the minimum specified in the
bond covenants which could trigger bondholders to request a rate increase on their behalf. If the debt
coverage ratio is forecasted to drop below 2.0 in the coming year, a rate increase sufficient to raise the
debt coverage ratio to 2.1 is assumed in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council
Finance Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
3. Available Reserves – If an enterprise’s reserve balance is anticipated to drop below the minimum required
reserve level in the next year, a rate increase sufficient to maintain the minimum required reserve is made
at the beginning of that year in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council Finance
Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
The sum of these three rate adjustments is the needed rate adjustment for the following year. In addition to these
three objective criteria for rate adjustments, a 5.0% ceiling is imposed in any given year, consistent with the stated
objective of “gradual, modest rate adjustments”, which may require smoothing such an increase over the two
years of a budget cycle to not have a large rate increase one year and then no rate adjustment the next. These
same objective criteria are applied to the other 3 utility’s financial models.
It needs to be recognized that actual revenues realized from a rate increase are not typically the full amount of the
rate increase. That is to say, there is some elasticity to rate adjustments. Additionally, most utility services are
weather dependent, so it is possible to occasionally realize more revenue than anticipated in rate design for a
given year although this weather variability is expected to balance out over an extended period.
The results of the financial modeling which applies the same objective strategies for raising rates and issuing debt
as the other utilities are presented below along with the forecasted debt issuances in 2025 and 2030. This ten-year
rate forecast is shared with the community to be open and accountable to the ratepayers. It is recommended that
rates are increased at levels higher than the strategic metric ceiling because of the significant increase in the CIP
between 2021 and 2023.
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Water Adopted Rate Increase 4.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Realized Revenue Increase -8.8% 1.7% 1.7% 4.2% -6.1%
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Modest rate adjustments will not be sufficient to generate adequate revenues for the proposed capital investments
over the coming decade. This was unanticipated with the previous plan and is driven by the 60% increase in the
cost of the CIP between 2021 and 2023. The 2023 CIP is more than triple what was proposed in 2019 and 60%
higher than what was proposed just two years ago in 2021. This level of increase in such a short period does not
allow for gradual, modest rate adjustments unfortunately. The graph below assumes that it will be necessary to
increase rates as much as 10.0% in several consecutive years.
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 4.0% 4.0% 7.0% 9.0% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10%
Debt Issued ($M)$154.0 $43.0
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Financial Risk Assessment
Below is a list of identified financial risks for this utility. Each risk is preliminarily categorized as high, medium
or low according to both the likelihood and consequence of it being realized. Further assessment of these
financial risks, particularly with operational input, may change the likelihood and consequence of each and may
identify other significant financial risks. This additional assessment should be done as part of the biennial budget
cycle. These financial risks are associated with operational management and anticipated capital needs and
highlight the need for close collaboration between the financial and operational departments within Utilities as
well as the importance of having a refined, prioritized 10-year capital improvement plan rather than an a more
exhaustive list of potential capital needs that may or may not be necessary.
Risk RealizationRisk ID Risk Likelihood Consequence Mitigation Needed?Risk Description
WFR1 CIP Volatility High High Yes
Long-term financial planning requires planning for uncertainties with more uncertainty requiring more conservative planning to achieve expected financial metrics; significant volatility on long-term capital plans increases uncertainty in the actual capital investment needs leading to inefficient use of capital, higher rate increases and less financial agility to meet operational needs
WFR2 Undefined Service Level Metrics / Targets / Weights Medium High Yes
The impact of high CIP volatility can be lessened by optimizing such investments to meet expected levels of service through an objective, quantitative prioritization methodology based on predefined service level metrics with established targets and relative weights; not having these tools to optimize capital investment poses a significant financial risk to the utilityWFR3Operating Expense Increases Medium High Yes OpEx assumed to not exceed 3.0%; exceedance would limit funds for capital needs and drive further rate increasesWFR4Halligan Reservoir Medium Medium Beyond Control The construction costs and potential mitigation costs along with potential delays in construction could significantly increase costs even more which would require additional rate increases and debt issuancesWFR5Retail Rate Fatigue Medium Medium Beyond Control Annual rate adjustments will be necessary to meet utility needs; rate fatigue would require a financial reassessment of ability to meet operational targetsWFR6Higher Debt Service Costs Medium Medium Beyond Control As bond coupon rates increase, debt capacity decreases for a given level of net pledged revenuesWFR7Unidentified Capital Projects Medium Low No As service level targets are established and asset management plans developed unanticipated capital needs may require more capital investment than currently planned
WFR8 Declining development fees High Medium No As development fees decline the length of time it takes to recover capital from previous investments for future use increasesWFR9System Reliability Low Low No A real or perceived decline in service reliability could accelerate system renewal investments and lead to less efficient use of capitalWFR10Resource Constraints on Capital Projects High Medium Yes
Internal and external labor and material constraints could delay execution of funded capital projects
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Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan
Below is a list of identified capital projects expected to be completed over the next decade. These projects are
grouped into the following categories:
Distribution Infrastructure – infrastructure that will be necessary for transmission and distribution of treated
water to customers
Production – capital investments necessary to maintain the current level of service for treating raw water into
potable water
Water Quality Lab – investments needed in either the lab facility or instrumentation used in the laboratory
Resources – capital investments in either sourcing or storing raw water
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Project Name 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
Water Meter Minor Capital $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000 $70,000
Water Meter Replacment $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000 $850,000
Watershed Protection $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000
WTF Minor Capital $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000
WTF Replacement $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
WQL Replacement $100,000 $100,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000
Water Distribution Improvements $2,000,000 $3,500,000 $5,000,000 $6,500,000 $8,000,000 $8,805,470 $8,805,470 $8,805,470 $8,805,470 $8,805,470 $8,805,470
Cathodic Protection Improvments $0 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 $700,000
Galvanized Service Replacement $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000
Water Acquistions $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000
Meter Crawlspace Conversion $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
SOS Halligan Water Supply $60,000,000 $60,000,000 $60,000,000 $60,000,000
Water Lab Construction $13,500,000 $13,500,000
Poudre Pipeline Lining - Inside Canyon $10,000,000
Water Plant Filter Replacement
College Waterline Replacement $5,300,000
Oak Street Waterline Phase 2 $1,172,600
SCADA PLC Replacements $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000
GIS Utility Network Improvements $400,000
WTF T5/T6 Roof Replacement $1,500,000
Training Software $50,000
Goat Hill T1 Fiber Replacement $1,200,000
Water Treatment Facility Belt Press Building $8,487,200
Filter Valve Actuators Replacement
Rapid Mixers Replacement
Meter Program
$88,129,800 $82,220,000 $87,180,000 $88,680,000 $16,480,000 $16,085,470 $16,085,470 $16,085,470 $16,085,470 $16,085,470 $16,085,470
Distribution $13,122,600 $7,250,000 $8,750,000 $10,250,000 $11,750,000 $11,355,470 $11,355,470 $11,355,470 $11,355,470
Production $12,387,200 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000
WQL $300,000 $300,000 $13,760,000 $13,760,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000
Resources $62,200,000 $72,200,000 $62,200,000 $62,200,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000 $2,200,000
$88,009,800 $82,150,000 $87,110,000 $88,610,000 $16,410,000 $16,015,470 $16,015,470 $16,015,470 $16,015,470
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2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan
City of Fort Collins Utilities
Wastewater
UT
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Table of Contents
Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans ..................................................................................................... 3
2023 Strategic Financial Planning .............................................................................................................. 3
2023 Financial Overview ............................................................................................................................ 4
2023 Revenues ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2023 Expenses ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Long-Term Financial Analysis ................................................................................................................... 6
Revenue Analysis.................................................................................................................................... 6
Expenditure Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 11
Operating Income Analysis................................................................................................................... 16
Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis ......................................................................................... 18
Debt Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Reserves Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 24
Rate Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Financial Risk Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 28
Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan .................................................................................................. 29
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Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans
The strategic financial plans are intended to provide a 10-year plan for the efficient and effective
financial management of each utility in a manner that is consistent with the City’s values and mission
and aligned with the City’s biennial Budget Process and Strategic Planning Process. Much of the long-
term strategic direction for each utility requires significant capital investment spanning more than one
budget cycle and while the magnitude of the required investment may be included in the capital
improvement plans, the financial capacity and strategies to meet these challenges is beyond the scope of
such plans. Capital improvement projects should be prioritized through an asset management program
to ensure alignment with the City’s strategic objectives and proper planning to achieve the targeted
levels of service for each utility to our community.
Whereas strategic planning sets the operational direction of where the utilities are going in the future,
strategic financial planning provides a financial context for this movement. The strategic financial plans
ensure the long-term operational and fiscal objectives and level of service targets for each of the utilities
are met in a financially sustainable and resilient manner. The strategic financial plans outline the
projected financial health, long-term revenues and expenditures, debt position and recommended
financial strategies necessary to achieve the operational objectives and targeted levels of service for each
of the four utilities over the next 10 years.
There are three main financial strategies with associated metrics that are intended to maintain the
financial health of each utility:
1) Generate a modest operating margin annually that is sufficient to fund asset renewal.
2) Maintain a debt coverage ratio adequate to ensure all future debt issued is rated as being
investment grade debt.
3) Through long-term planning adjust rates as needed to meet revenue requirements through
modest, gradual annual adjustments.
2023 Strategic Financial Planning
The 2023 strategic financial planning process began with an assessment of what has changed since the
previous plan. On a macro-economic scale these changes include:
• In 2022 inflation returned to levels not seen in 40 years which has adversely affected operating
costs as well as the costs of materials and labor for capital projects.
• The Federal Reserve has responded to the growth in inflation by raising interest rates in a short
time, which in turn is increasing the cost of capital.
More specific to the Wastewater Enterprise Fund changes that have an impact on the financial modeling
for this plan are:
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• Development has slowed considerably in 2023 resulting in significantly less Plant Investment
Fees (PIFs) being received in 2023 than 2022 creating more uncertainty of future PIF revenue
projections utilized in this effort.
• While development has slowed, the cost of needed capital investments has increased so much
that it is anticipated that the level of annual capital investment will be 3.5 times in the coming
decade compared to the last decade.
• Challenges and uncertainty remain in operating expenses that will require rate adjustments in
some years over the next decade that significantly exceed the targeted limit of 5.0% annually to
meet the strategic financial targets.
With those headwinds, the long-term financial model was updated with the most recent financial data
and consideration given to how these challenges could impact the 10-year forecast. The result of the
modeling is discussed below beginning with a review of the 2023 fiscal year followed by an analysis of
revenues, expenses, operating income, capital investments, debt capacity and rates more monthly
services. A financial risk register follows the ten-year rate and debt issuance forecast which is the final
output from the model. The 10-year Capital Improvement Plan is included as an appendix to conclude
the plan.
To begin the financial planning, some context is appropriate given the amount of capital investment
being requested for the coming decade. The Wastewater Enterprise Fund generates $25-27M annually
in revenues and spends $13-15M annually on operations and another $8-12M on capital investments.
The proposed capital improvement plan for the next decade has $322M in proposed investments, or
$32M annually. To provide adequate revenues to meet this level of investment means either doubling
rates for monthly services and doubling development fees immediately or issuing significant debt and
raising rates and fees over the next few years to cover the increased debt service and some capital
investment. While this may be possible, it is not recommended for our customers. Additional revenues
must be found through state or federal grants and a prioritization of the capital work needs to be done to
ensure the most critical capital investments are being made while other investments are deferred beyond
the 10-year horizon. The model shows that just making 50-75% of the proposed capital investments will
require rate and fee increases of 6-8% annually over the next few budget cycles.
2023 Financial Overview
Financially, 2023 was better than budgeted as operating income exceeded the budget by $2.0M despite
wastewater operating revenues being just $0.6M over budget. The operating income exceeded the
budget due to lower than anticipated operating expenses. The operating margin decreased again in 2023
as operating revenues increased only $0.8M while operating expenses increased by $1.3M. As the table
below shows, the three metrics associated with the three main financial strategies from a long-term
financial planning perspective were still met in 2023.
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2023 Revenues
Total revenues associated with wastewater services grew very slightly by 0.39% in 2023 over 2022
despite operating revenues increasing by 3.27% due to less revenue from development fees which
declined 63% year over year. Operating revenues were flat in 2023 despite a 4.0% rate increase
implemented at the start of the year. Revenues for residential services remain the largest revenue source
at close to 63% of all revenues.
Strategic Financial Plan
Target 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Operating Margin > 2.0%8.5% 10.4% 15.5% 14.4% 19.3%
Debt Coverage Ratio > 2.00 4.6 3.8 4.4 4.9 4.9
Rate Adjustment < 5.0%4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Operating Margin = (Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges) - (Operating Expenses including depreciation)
(Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges)
Debt Coverage Ratio = (Operating Income before depreciation + Development Fees + Earned Interest)
(Annual Debt Service Expense)
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2023 Expenses
Operating expenses have increased at an accelerating rate in recent years with 2023 seeing a 6.1%
annual growth. Total expenses for wastewater services and capital investment grew 13.4% in 2023 over
2022. This large increase included a one-time transfer of funds for a new customer service and billing
system. Major capital comprised 21% of total expenses with operating expenses associated directly with
water reclamation making up 23% and administrative expenses 11% of total expenses. The pie chart
below breaks down all cash expenses in 2023.
Long-Term Financial Analysis
Revenue Analysis
Wastewater revenues consist of operating revenues and non-operating revenues. Operating revenues are
generated from monthly charges for unmetered and metered services which includes a 6% payment in lieu of
taxes (PILOTs) that is transferred to the General Fund of the City. Non-operating revenues, which comprise
7.0%, or $1.9M, of total revenues, consist of development fees, interest revenue on cash reserves, and other
miscellaneous revenues.
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The pie chart here shows how operating revenues were generated in 2023.
Operating revenues increased in every category in 2023 from 2022 except commercial services as shown
by the graph below. Non-operating revenues from development fees were a third of what was realized
in 2022. Revenues are budgeted conservatively to account for weather variability based on historical
demands and other uncertainties.
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From a longer-term perspective, operating revenues for this fund have grown very modestly over the previous
decade from $20.3M in 2013 to $24.5M in 2023. The net effect being that while rates for wastewater services
have increased at an annualized rate of 2.0% over the past decade, actual operating revenues for wastewater
service have increased at an annualized rate of 1.93% over that period.
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The table below shows the annual revenues by major categories for the past 5 years. (The data here is not
adjusted for weather to accurately represent the revenues received.) The non-lapsing revenues over this period
have come mostly from development fees until 2023 when interest revenues were strong. The volatility of
development fees is much greater than that of operating revenues requiring caution before relying on development
fee revenues for necessary capital improvements or forecasting revenues. Interest revenue from cash reserves will
decline going forward as reserves will be drawn down for capital investments, particularly the Halligan Reservoir
project.
Looking at revenues on an annual percent change basis shows how realized operating revenue growth has almost
kept pace with the annualized rate increases. Again, the main bright spot in 2023 being interest revenue due to the
amount of cash being held in reserve for future capital need.
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Customers 35,769 36,002 36,050 36,201 36,300
Annual Rate Adjustment 0.00% 0.00% 2.00% 0.00% 4.00%
Residential WW Sales 15,816,202$ 15,775,168$ 16,016,573$ 15,804,431$ 16,562,397$
Com/Indl WW Sales 6,119,149$ 5,680,279$ 5,577,730$ 5,980,055$ 5,875,275$
District WW Sales 412,491$ 415,027$ 410,652$ 406,770$ 426,871$
Other WW Sales 199,538$ 250,193$ 279,598$ 329,288$ 395,732$
PILOTs 1,339,806$ 1,312,632$ 1,321,053$ 1,331,681$ 1,372,780$
Operating Revenue 23,887,186$ 23,433,299$ 23,605,607$ 23,852,226$ 24,633,054$
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio 538,797$ 1,441,578$ 1,505,670$ 1,793,187$ 657,247$
Interest Revenue 857,329$ 541,991$ 291,201$ 590,753$ 1,048,572$
Other Misc 101,594$ 534,449$ 246,815$ 151,233$ 150,788$
Non-Operating Revenue 1,497,720$ 2,518,018$ 2,043,686$ 2,535,172$ 1,856,608$
Total Revenues 25,384,906$ 25,951,317$ 25,649,293$ 26,387,398$ 26,489,662$
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Taking all this historical trending and perspective into account, the stochastic financial model considers the next
ten-year horizon. Looking out over the next decade, revenues will need to increase significantly to service
anticipated debt that will need to be issued to complete even 60% of the planned capital investments. The graph
below shows a forecasted annual growth of 7.3% in future operating revenue (solid green line) which greatly
exceeds the 1.93% growth over the past decade. The green area shows the range of revenues considered in the
stochastic analysis for the long-term financial model.
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Trend
5 Yr
Annualized
Trend
3 Yr
Annualized
Trend
1 Yr
Annualized
Trend
Customers 0.85%0.37%0.28%0.27%
Annual Rate Adjustment 2.00%1.20%2.00%4.00%
Residential WW Sales 2.18%0.79%1.64%4.80%
Com/Indl WW Sales 1.19% -1.94% 1.13% -1.75%
District WW Sales 0.62%1.27%0.94%4.94%
Other WW Sales 5.67% 10.42% 16.51% 20.18%
PILOTs 1.90%0.08%1.50%3.09%
Operating Revenue 1.93%0.18%1.68%3.27%
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio -12.07% -22.68% -23.03% -63.35%
Interest Revenue 9.80%7.00% 24.60% 77.50%
Other Misc 1.54% -7.42% -34.41% -0.29%
Non-Operating Revenue -4.43% -11.12% -9.66% -26.77%
Total Revenues 1.31% -0.93% 0.69%0.39%
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Non-operating revenues are expected to grow modestly from the range seen over the past decade through
adjustments to the plant investment fees which are assumed to grow at an annualized rate of 5-10%. Any
unanticipated grant revenue would positively impact the financial health of the utility and as such is not modelled
here. Non-operating revenues are expected to remain a relatively insignificant contributor to total revenues at less
than 10% of total revenues in the coming decade.
Expenditure Analysis
Wastewater expenses consist of operating expenses directly incurred for sewage collection and water reclamation
including labor and material expenses and indirect customer service and administrative costs, and non-operating
expenses. Wastewater non-operating expenses include capital investments made in renewing existing assets as
well as renewing existing infrastructure.
The pie chart below shows all operating expenses for the Wastewater utility in 2023.
The table below reflects the most recent three years of expenses. The significant growth in CS&A
administrative expenses reflects the creation of the One Water Director department within this internal
services fund.
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Wastewater operating expenses are shown below from a longer-term perspective in the categories consistent with
the monthly financial operating report. Depreciation is a non-budgetary operating expense that is also included
here as it represents the amount of value lost in existing assets. Ideally, this lost value represents a minimal level
of capital investment in the renewal of existing assets to ensure the long-term reliability of the system. Total
operating expenses have grown at a very modest annual rate of 3.2% over the past decade. However, more recent
inflationary pressures have caused operating expenses to increase by 6.1% in 2023. This rate of annual growth
for all operating expenses is assumed to be tightly managed in the analysis and forecasts below.
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Operating expenses in the Wastewater Fund have grown at about the rate of inflation over the past decade. The
most critical factor in the financial health of this Fund is to continue to manage operational expenses to grow no
more than this modest rate. The increased capital investments in system renewal could help with O&M labor
expense but significant attention will need to be given to operational expenses within each Business Unit to
ensure adequate revenues are generated to make these investments.
The table below shows operating and non-operating expenses by the major categories shown in the Monthly
Financial Operating Report (MOR). Depreciation is estimated for 2023 in this table and analysis.
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Water Reclamation & Biosolids – These expenses are related directly to the reclamation of water at the Water
Reclamation Facilities before it is returned to the river. These expenses have increased at a faster rate in recent
years due to inflationary pressures, including a 7.7% increase in 2023.
Pollution Control Lab – The lab expenses are primarily labor and chemicals. These expenses have grown at a
very modest 1.0% over the past decade, and only increased 1.3% in 2023 over 2022 expenses.
Trunk and Collection – This line item represents the most direct expenses associated with providing wastewater
collection services to the community. These expenses have been growing at a reasonable rate particularly over
the past 5 years which has seen an annualized increase of 0.7% although most recently there was an increase of
5.6% in these costs in 2023 alone. Managing this growth to a moderate level in the future will be very important
to the financial success of this utility.
Engineering – This expense category includes expenses associated with engineering services primarily associated
with project management but also includes some engineering contracted services. Because of vacancies, these
costs decreased by 23.7% in 2023 but have increased at an annualized rate of 5.3% over the last 3 years.
Administrative Services – Administrative Service expenses from the Utilities internal Customer Service and
Administration areas increased significantly over the past few years, particularly in 2023, with the addition of the
One Water Director’s business unit in this internal services fund. Managing these costs better will be important in
the coming years.
Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs) – This is a transfer to the General Fund set at 6% of operating revenues.
As such, any increase in this expense is directly offset by higher operating revenues.
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Water Reclamation & Biosolids 5,755,866$ 5,616,163$ 5,861,536$ 5,962,094$ 6,422,856$
Pollution Control Lab 1,121,551$ 1,162,170$ 1,169,847$ 1,184,330$ 1,200,145$
Trunk & Collection 1,479,408$ 1,668,068$ 1,527,481$ 1,711,668$ 1,808,318$
Engineering 462,486$ 408,819$ 447,302$ 625,932$ 477,598$
Admin Services - CS&A 2,113,894$ 2,517,116$ 2,363,579$ 2,449,500$ 2,965,000$
Admin Services - General Fund 627,337$ 643,020$ 636,389$ 635,129$ 714,514$
Other Payments & Transfers 112,506$ 399,203$ 222,811$ 1,008,527$ 1,226,070$
PILOTS 1,339,806$ 1,312,632$ 1,321,053$ 1,331,681$ 1,364,538$
Depreciation 6,266,408$ 6,340,847$ 6,405,938$ 6,469,491$ 6,500,000$
Total Operating Expenses 19,279,262$ 20,068,038$ 19,955,936$ 21,378,352$ 22,679,039$
Debt Service 2,496,795$ 2,518,209$ 2,070,970$ 2,095,470$ 2,264,700$
Internal Transfers Out 286,681$ 207,405$ 173,080$ 559,526$ 2,503,423$
Misc Non-operating Expense -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Minor Capital 850,077$ 503,558$ 689,026$ 930,776$ 1,084,506$
Major Capital 6,170,605$ 11,264,727$ 4,588,916$ 5,450,901$ 5,970,715$
Total Non-operating Expenses 9,804,158$ 14,493,899$ 7,521,992$ 9,036,672$ 11,823,345$
Total Expenses 29,083,419$ 34,561,937$ 27,477,927$ 30,415,024$ 34,502,383$
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Internal Transfers Out – In 2023 a significant appropriation was made for a new Customer Information and
Billing System. The transfer was made to the Utilities internal services fund as a one-time expense.
Wastewater O&M expenses have increased at a rate just above inflation over the past decade. This has been
attributed to active management (a flattening of the curve can be seen in 2018-21). Unfortunately, inflation and
delays in capital work since the COVID-19 pandemic due to resource constraints has resulted in some growth
since 2021. Looking out over the next ten years through the long-term financial model, expenses will need to be
tightly managed so as not to exceed the rate of inflation in total. The solid red line into the future assumes
operating expenses other than PILOTs also grow at a rate of 4.4% annually consistent with recent inflationary
pressures. The uncertainty in operating expenses is large and highlights the importance of stochastic modeling
rather than showing a single forecasted value a decade into the future.
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Tr end
5 Yr
Annualized
T rend
3 Yr
Annualized
T r end
1 Yr
Annualized
T r end
Water Reclamation & Biosolids 2.0%4.0%4.6%7.7%
Pollution Control Lab 1.0%0.5%1.1%1.3%
Trunk & Collection 2.2%0.7%2.7%5.6%
Engineering 16.6%-2.2%5.3%-23.7%
Admin Services - CS&A 5.6%2.5%5.6%21.0%
Admin Services - General Fund 3.8%-0.5%3.6%12.5%
Other Payments & Transfers 7.4%-0.8%45.4%21.6%
PILOTS 1.8%0.0%1.3%2.5%
Depreciation 3.3%1.2%0.8%0.5%
Total Operating Expenses 3.2%1.7%4.2%6.1%
Debt Service -6.8%-2.3%-3.5%8.1%
Internal Transfers Out 65.6%129.4% 347.4%
Misc Non-operating Expense
Minor Capital 12.2%4.7%29.1%16.5%
Major Capital 5.6%-7.7%-19.1%9.5%
Total Non-operating Expenses 3.5%-1.1%-6.6%30.8%
Total Expenses 3.3%0.7%-0.1%13.4%
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Operating Income Analysis
Looking at operating revenues and expenses on the same chart shows there is more variability in operating
revenues than expenses. This utility has a measurable seasonality and year-over-year weather driven variability
that must be accounted for in the financial modeling.
Looking at the operating margin, the delta between the operating revenues and operating expenses illustrates the
financial impacts to this utility from recent operating expense increases. The sustained decline in the operating
margin suggests rate increases will be necessary to meet this strategic metric going forward.
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Operating revenues have grown at a very modest annualized rate of 1.93% over the past decade through
gradual, modest rate adjustments. The rate increases allowed for the operating income to remain at a
healthy, positive level although it has been declining as operating expenses have grown at a slightly
faster rate of 3.2% over the past decade. Inflationary pressures being seen across the utilities for
materials and labor resulted in Wastewater operating expenses growing at 4.2% annually over the most
recent 3-year period. The result of which has been a declining trend in the operating margin since 2014.
This trend will change as rates are raised to meet debt service needs but in order to maintain operational
levels it will be difficult to limit rate increases to less than 5.0% annually in the future even at 60% of
the proposed level of capital investment.
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Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis
Note: Appendix A shows the anticipated capital investments and expected year of investment.
Operational goals for the Wastewater utility are focused on maintaining the current level of reliability while
moving forward with modernizing the intake infrastructure at the Drake reclamation facility. Investment in
collection infrastructure is necessary to maintain the current level of reliability expected by our customers. The
financial models require a review of the 10-year capital investment plans and a need to re-prioritize the
anticipated projects along with any new investments. An updated CIP was developed in October 2023 ahead of
discussions with the Council Finance Committee.
The current 10 Year capital improvement plan (CIP) anticipates a three-fold increase in annual capital investment
over the coming decade than was realized in the previous decade. This increase is largely driven by investments
in reclamation and biosolid infrastructure as well as a desire to get to a more sustainable replacement cycle on the
collection system.
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The development of prioritized CIPs is necessary to ensure efficient use of capital to optimize the levels of service
being provided to our community. This prioritization has been an elusive goal since the first CIP was developed
in 2016. Progress has been made on identifying the service level metrics for this utility but setting service level
targets and the relative weights of those service levels remains to be done. Additionally, the 10-year CIPs have
fluctuated significantly from one budget cycle to the next (every 2 years) which makes financial planning more
challenging than more stable and refined CIPs would require for each utility including this one. This type of
volatility in long-term planning efforts is very unsettling.
The graph below shows the evolution of the Wastewater CIP over the last 3 budget cycles compared to the 2023
CIP reflecting the impacts of some of the macro-economic challenges outlined above as well as updated planning
and analysis. The lack of a consistent senior leadership team throughout Utilities has also impacted the CIPs as
new leaders bring new perspectives and ideas but change too quickly to refine the CIPs. The growth of the
number of projects in the CIP will require further consideration around how to fully resource these projects which
could result in a more even distribution of capital required than what is shown in the chart above.
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The current 10 Year CIP consists of $322M of identified capital investments which consists of $116M for renewal
of the collection system, $29M for a new pollution control lab and equipment, and $177M for water reclamation
infrastructure. (All projects are identified in 2023 dollars so that a consistent inflation can be applied to all future
projects.)
The following chart shows the annual capital investment made each year with the amount of approved capital
investment remaining at the end of the year. Each year new capital appropriations are made for asset renewal
programs and specific projects which add to the capital investment remaining from previous years. The amount of
capital appropriations remaining at the end of each year exceeds the realized annual capital investment made each
year. At the end of 2023, the amount of capital appropriated from previous budget cycles was $26.9M. This
$26.9M shown in blue will require more than three years to invest at the recent rate of investment without any
additional capital appropriations being requested.
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While there is some lead time related to capital investments because of the policy of fully funding each capital
investment up front, this build-up of capital work reduces the ability to adapt capital investments as priorities may
change. The capital improvement plan discussed below and included in Appendix A is recommending that an
additional $71M be appropriated in the 2025-26 budget cycle for capital work. It is recommended that a long-
term strategic resource plan be developed to execute all currently funded and future capital investments before
any additional debt is issued for any capital investment.
Debt Analysis
Last Bond Rating: AA- (prior to 2013)
While operating revenues are intended to cover all operating expenses, debt issuances are an important source of
funding for capital investments for any utility. Debt issuances also establish generational equity by having the
generation of customers benefiting from the investment funding the investment through the debt repayment rather
than having current customers pay for investments that are necessary to serve future generations. Given the
significant increase in capital investment that is expected over the next decade, significant levels of debt will be
necessary even after the use of all available reserves and anticipated development fees.
The long-term financial modeling relies on objective criteria to drive financial decisions such as when to issue
debt. The use of objective criteria allows for future debt issuances to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning
as to why an issuance is needed in any given year based on the current CIP. Debt issuances are based on the
following criteria.
1. If capital investments are anticipated to exceed available reserves over the next 3 years a debt issuance is
assumed to be sufficient to cover the next 2 years capital investments and leave 125% of the minimum
required reserve. This recommendation is presented to the Council Finance Committee ahead of the
biennial budget cycle.
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2. Because there are costs associated with debt issuances, a balance is struck between frequently issuing debt
and making efficient use of the generated capital by limiting the frequency of debt issuances to no more
than once every 3 years.
The wastewater utility has not issued any new revenue bonds in the past decade making it difficult to determine
how new revenue bonds will be rated. The only outstanding debt from 2009 has been refinanced a few times over
the past decade as coupon rates were favorable.
The chart below shows the historical and future debt related with water capital investments including a potential
$59M issuance in the 2025-26 budget cycle.
Because there has been little outstanding debt over the past decade, the debt coverage ratio for this Fund has been
well above the bond covenant minimum requirements of 1.15-1.2 as well as above the internally recommended
ratio of 2.0 necessary to be viewed as favorably as possible by the rating agencies. Meeting the recommended
minimum debt coverage ratio as well as the recommended minimum should be possible over the coming decade.
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The actual debt capacity for this utility Enterprise Fund is fairly stable due to the consistency seen in operating
revenues. Necessary debt issuances are expected to be rated as investment grade debt. The debt capacity of the
Enterprise Fund is sufficient to meet anticipated debt issuances. The stochastic modeling assumes that future
interest rates would fluctuate within a range between 3.0 and 6.0%.
Debt Capacity Estimation
Interest Rate:5.00%
Net Pledged Revenue (5yr ave):$10,984,200
Debt Coverage
Ratio
Debt Capacity
(10 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(15 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(20 yr Debt)
1.0 $85 $114 $137
1.2 $71 $95 $114
1.4 $61 $82 $98
1.6 $53 $71 $86
1.8 $47 $63 $76
2.0 $42 $57 $69
2.2 $39 $52 $62
2.4 $35 $48 $57
2.6 $33 $44 $53
2.8 $30 $41 $49
3.0 $28 $38 $46
Outstanding Debt in 2023:$10.6 M
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Reserves Analysis
Financial Management Policy 5 specifies Fund Balance Minimums for Enterprise Reserves. It also states that
additional reserves should be set aside for anticipated capital investments. The graph below reflects the total Fund
Balance as well as the portion of that balance that is available for capital appropriations above and beyond the
minimum required reserve balance and any existing capital appropriations. The long-term financial modeling
objectively determines when additional capital investment should come from Available Reserves and when it
should come through rates or more immediately through debt issuances.
Based on the actual financials for 2023, it is estimated that $0.9M was taken from Available Reserves in 2023.
The available fund balance is expected to continue to decrease due to the significant capital investment identified
in the CIP requiring additional debt issuances over the next 3-5 years. The actual increase in Available Reserves
reflected below is being driven by the timing of debt issuances and the capital investments in the unprioritized
CIP. A more strategic approach is necessary as not all capital investments can be funded over this decade without
significantly higher rate increases and more debt issuances being needed to achieve the proposed capital
investments.
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Rate Analysis
Prior to the 2015-16 budget cycle rate adjustments were subjectively determined. Beginning with the 2015-16
budget cycle objective financial metrics were established to determine necessary rate adjustments. This change
allowed for future rate adjustments to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning as to why a rate adjustment is
needed in any given year. There are three financial metrics which drive the need for a rate adjustment.
1. Operating Income – If the combined operating income for the previous two years was negative, a rate
increase is made in the next year sufficient to generate enough operating income in the coming two years
to offset those losses. The two-year period allows for some weather or economic variability and is
consistent with the City’s biennial budget cycle.
2. Debt Coverage Ratio – A debt coverage ratio is recommended by the bond rating agencies to support the
current enterprise fund bond ratings. This debt coverage ratio is well above the minimum specified in the
bond covenants which could trigger bondholders to request a rate increase on their behalf. If the debt
coverage ratio is forecasted to drop below 2.0 in the coming year, a rate increase sufficient to raise the
debt coverage ratio to 2.1 is assumed in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council
Finance Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
3. Available Reserves – If an enterprise’s reserve balance is anticipated to drop below the minimum required
reserve level in the next year, a rate increase sufficient to maintain the minimum required reserve is made
at the beginning of that year in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council Finance
Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
The sum of these three rate adjustments is the needed rate adjustment for the following year. In addition to these
three objective criteria for rate adjustments, a 5.0% ceiling is imposed in any given year, consistent with the stated
objective of “gradual, modest rate adjustments”, which may require smoothing such an increase over the two
years of a budget cycle to not have a large rate increase one year and then no rate adjustment the next. These
same objective criteria are applied to the other 3 utility’s financial models.
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It needs to be recognized that actual revenues realized from a rate increase are not typically the full amount of the
rate increase. That is to say, there is some elasticity to rate adjustments. Additionally, most utility services are
weather dependent, so it is possible to occasionally realize more revenue than anticipated in rate design for a
given year although this weather variability is expected to balance out over an extended period.
The results of the financial modeling which applies the same objective strategies for raising rates and issuing debt
as the other utilities are presented below along with the forecasted debt issuances in 2025 and 2030. This ten-year
rate forecast is shared with the community to be open and accountable to the ratepayers. It is recommended that
rates are increased at levels higher than the strategic metric ceiling because of the significant increase in the CIP
between 2021 and 2023.
Modest rate adjustments will not be sufficient to generate adequate revenues for the proposed capital investments
over the coming decade. This was unanticipated with the previous plan and is driven by the 94% increase in the
cost of the CIP between 2021 and 2023. This level of increase in such a short period does not allow for gradual,
modest rate adjustments unfortunately. The graph below assumes that it could be necessary to increase rates as
much as 10.0% in some years and at an annual rate of 6-8% through 2023.
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Wastewater Adopted Rate Increase 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 2.7% 1.1% 7.3% -1.9% -2.0%
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 4.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8%
Debt Issued ($M)$59.0 $52.0 $59.0
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Financial Risk Assessment
Below is a list of identified financial risks for this utility. Each risk is preliminarily categorized as high, medium
or low according to both the likelihood and consequence of it being realized. Further assessment of these
financial risks, particularly with operational input, may change the likelihood and consequence of each and may
identify other significant financial risks. This additional assessment should be done as part of the biennial budget
cycle. These financial risks are associated with operational management and anticipated capital needs and
highlight the need for close collaboration between the financial and operational departments within Utilities as
well as the importance of having a refined, prioritized 10-year capital improvement plan rather than an a more
exhaustive list of potential capital needs that may or may not be necessary.
Risk RealizationRisk ID Risk Likelihood Consequence Mitigation Needed?Risk Description
WWFR1 CIP Volatility High High Yes
Long-term financial planning requires planning for uncertainties with more uncertainty requiring more conservative planning to achieve expected financial metrics; significant volatility on long-term capital plans increases uncertainty in the actual capital investment needs leading to inefficient use of capital, higher rate increases and less financial agility to meet operational needs
WWFR2 Undefined Service Level Metrics / Targets / Weights Medium High Yes
The impact of high CIP volatility can be lessened by optimizing such investments to meet expected levels of service through an objective, quantitative prioritization methodology based on predefined service level metrics with established targets and relative weights; not having these tools to optimize capital investment poses a significant financial risk to the utilityWWFR3Operating Expense Increases Medium High Yes OpEx assumed to not exceed 3.0%; exceedance would limit funds for capital needs and drive further rate increasesWWFR4Retail Rate Fatigue Medium Medium Beyond Control Annual rate adjustments will be necessary to meet utility needs; rate fatigue would require a financial reassessment of ability to meet operational targetsWWFR5Higher Debt Service Costs Medium Medium Beyond Control As bond coupon rates increase, debt capacity decreases for a given level of net pledged revenuesWWFR6Unidentified Capital Projects Medium Low No As service level targets are established and asset management plans developed unanticipated capital needs may require more capital investment than currently planned
WWFR7 Declining development fees High Medium No As development fees decline the length of time it takes to recover capital from previous investments for future use increasesWWFR8System Reliability Low Low No A real or perceived decline in service reliability could accelerate system renewal investments and lead to less efficient use of capitalWWFR9Resource Constraints on Capital Projects High Medium Yes
Internal and external labor and material constraints could delay execution of funded capital projects
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Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan
Below is a list of identified capital projects expected to be completed over the next decade. These projects are
grouped into the following categories:
Collection System Infrastructure – infrastructure that will be necessary for the collection and transmission of
sewage to the reclamation facilities
Reclamation & Biosolids – capital investments necessary to maintain the current level of service for treating raw
sewage and properly disposing solid waste
Pollution Control Lab – investments needed in either the lab facility or instrumentation used in the laboratory
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Project Name 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
WRB Minor Capital 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,300,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
WRB Replacement Program 1,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000
PCL Replacement 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000
Wastewater Collection Improvements 2,500,000 4,000,000 5,500,000 7,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000 8,000,000
Wastewater Collection Minor Capital 35,000 350,000 350,000 500,000 350,000 750,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000
Wastewater CIPP Program 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000
DWRF Septage Receiving Constructions 5,000,000
Wastewater Lab Design and Construction 13,500,000 13,500,000
Wastewater Collection System
Masterplan 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000
Drake Prelimary (Headworks)
Improvements Design 5,000,000
Drake Prelimary (Headworks)
Improvements Construction 50,000,000
DWRF Sidestream P Removal (Harvester)7,000,000
Wastewater Utility Plan Update 250,000
GIS Utility Network 400,000
Redundant Ethernet PLC Communication
Rings MWRF and DWRF 675,000
DWRF Anaerobic Digester Improvement
Program 5,000,000 5,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000
DWRF NPT Blower Replacment 2,500,000 2,500,000
Biosolids Treatment Improvements 10,000,000
DWRF NPT Air Piping Replacment and
Recoating 2,000,000
MWRF Blower Replacements
DWRF Reg. 31 20,000,000
SCADA PLC Replacements 390,000 325,000 65,000
DWRF Carbon Addition Phase II 10,000,000
54" DWRF Influent Pipe Lining 2,500,000
DWRF Backup Power 5,000,000
Transformers / Secondary Switchboard
Replacements 500,000
DWRF West Tunnel Boiler Replacement 2,500,000
DWRF FCRID Outfall Improvements 2,000,000
DWRF CLPR Outfall Improvements 5,000,000
DWRF Flare Replacement 2,000,000
DWRF-MWRF Tie Line Relining 5,000,000
DWRF Odor Control System
Improvements 2,000,000
DWRF Polymer System Improvements 2,000,000
DWRF West Tunnel Improvements 750,000
Training Software Platform 50,000 1,000,000
DWRF NPT Process Lab Replacement 1,000,000
DWRF SPT Process Lab Replacement
Facility Wide Glycol Loop Replacement
Drake Water Reclamation Non-potable
Piping System (Eastside) Replacement
39,715,000 24,015,000 68,430,000 26,340,000 22,490,000 30,340,000 33,290,000 17,040,000 12,290,000 12,040,000 25,290,000
Collection 5,235,000 6,600,000 8,100,000 9,500,000 10,900,000 11,750,000 10,700,000 10,450,000 10,700,000 10,450,000 10,700,000
Reclamation & Biosolids 20,890,000 3,825,000 59,565,000 16,750,000 11,500,000 18,500,000 22,500,000 6,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 14,500,000
Pollution Control Lab 13,590,000 13,590,000 765,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,000
39,715,000 24,015,000 68,430,000 26,340,000 22,490,000 30,340,000 33,290,000 17,040,000 12,290,000 12,040,000 25,290,000
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2024 10-Year Strategic Financial Plan
City of Fort Collins Utilities
Stormwater
UT
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Table of Contents
Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans ..................................................................................................... 3
2023 Strategic Financial Planning .............................................................................................................. 3
2023 Financial Overview ............................................................................................................................ 4
2023 Revenues ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2023 Expenses ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Long-Term Financial Analysis ................................................................................................................... 7
Revenue Analysis.................................................................................................................................... 7
Expenditure Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 11
Operating Income Analysis................................................................................................................... 16
Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis ......................................................................................... 18
Debt Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Reserves Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 23
Rate Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Financial Risk Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 27
Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan .................................................................................................. 28
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Purpose of the Strategic Financial Plans
The strategic financial plans are intended to provide a 10-year plan for the efficient and effective
financial management of each utility in a manner that is consistent with the City’s values and mission
and aligned with the City’s biennial Budget Process and Strategic Planning Process. Much of the long-
term strategic direction for each utility requires significant capital investment spanning more than one
budget cycle and while the magnitude of the required investment may be included in the capital
improvement plans, the financial capacity and strategies to meet these challenges is beyond the scope of
such plans. Capital improvement projects should be prioritized through an asset management program
to ensure alignment with the City’s strategic objectives and proper planning to achieve the targeted
levels of service for each utility to our community.
Whereas strategic planning sets the operational direction of where the utilities are going in the future,
strategic financial planning provides a financial context for this movement. The strategic financial plans
ensure the long-term operational and fiscal objectives and level of service targets for each of the utilities
are met in a financially sustainable and resilient manner. The strategic financial plans outline the
projected financial health, long-term revenues and expenditures, debt position and recommended
financial strategies necessary to achieve the operational objectives and targeted levels of service for each
of the four utilities over the next 10 years.
There are three main financial strategies with associated metrics that are intended to maintain the
financial health of each utility:
1) Generate a modest operating margin annually that is sufficient to fund asset renewal.
2) Maintain a debt coverage ratio adequate to ensure all future debt issued is rated as being
investment grade debt.
3) Through long-term planning adjust rates as needed to meet revenue requirements through
modest, gradual annual adjustments.
2023 Strategic Financial Planning
The 2023 strategic financial planning process began with an assessment of what has changed since the
previous plan. On a macro-economic scale these changes include:
• In 2022 inflation returned to levels not seen in 40 years which has adversely affected operating
costs as well as the costs of materials and labor for capital projects.
• The Federal Reserve has responded to the growth in inflation by raising interest rates in a short
time, which in turn is increasing the cost of capital.
More specific to the Stormwater Enterprise Fund changes that have an impact on the financial modeling
for this plan are:
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• The cost of needed capital investments has increased by 40% from the CIP proposed in 2021
and tripled from the 2019 CIP. This increase is so much that it is anticipated that the level of
annual capital investment will be 4 times in the coming decade compared to the last decade.
With those headwinds as a background, the long-term financial model was updated with the most recent
financial data and consideration given to how these challenges could impact the 10-year forecast. The
result of the modeling is discussed below beginning with a review of the 2023 fiscal year followed by an
analysis of revenues, expenses, operating income, capital investments, debt capacity and rates more
monthly services. A financial risk register follows the ten-year rate and debt issuance forecast which is
the final output from the model. The 10-year Capital Improvement Plan is included as an appendix to
conclude the plan.
To begin the financial planning, some context is appropriate given the amount of capital investment
being requested for the coming decade. The Stormwater Enterprise Fund generates $19-21M annually
in revenues and spends $7-9M annually on operations before depreciation and another $5-7M on capital
investments. The proposed capital improvement plan for the next decade has $239M in proposed
investments, or $24M annually. To provide adequate revenues to meet this level of investment means
either doubling rates for monthly services and doubling development fees immediately or issuing
significant debt and raising rates and fees over the next few years to cover the increased debt service and
some capital investment. While this may be possible, it is not recommended for our customers.
Additional revenues must be found through state or federal grants and a prioritization of the capital work
needs to be done to ensure the most critical capital investments are being made while other investments
are deferred beyond the 10-year horizon. The model shows that just making 50-75% of the proposed
capital investments will require rate and fee increases of 6-8% annually over the next few budget cycles.
2023 Financial Overview
Financially, 2023 was better than budgeted as operating income exceeded the budget by $2.6M despite
stormwater operating revenues being just $0.3M over budget due to lower than anticipated operating
expenses. The operating margin decreased in 2023 over 2022 as operating revenues increased just
$0.8M while operating expenses increased $1.2M from 2022 levels. As the table below shows, all three
metrics associated with the three main financial strategies from a long-term financial planning
perspective were met in 2023. The operating margin, the excess in operating revenues after covering all
operating expenses including depreciation, remained well above the targeted level in 2023. Challenges
and uncertainty remain in operating expenses that will likely require rate adjustments in the next 10
years that exceed the targeted limit of 5.0% annually to meet the strategic financial targets.
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Operating revenues have grown at a very modest annualized rate of 2.72% over the past decade through
customer growth and gradual, modest rate adjustments. The rate increases allowed for the operating
income to remain at a healthy, positive level prior to 2023 although it had been declining as operating
expenses have grown at a much faster rate of 6.1% over the past decade. Inflationary pressures being
seen across the utilities for materials and labor resulted in Stormwater operating expenses growing at
6.8% annually over the most recent 3-year period and 10.3% in 2023. The result of which has been a
declining trend in the operating margin which will make it extremely difficult to limit rate increases to
less than 5.0% annually in the future.
2023 Revenues
Total revenues associated with stormwater services increased by 7.8% in 2023 over 2022 primarily
driven by a 3.0% rate increase, a steady 1% annual customer growth rate and higher interest earnings on
cash reserves as well as steady revenue from development fees. Revenues for non-single family
customers remain the largest revenue source at close to 50% of all revenues.
Strategic Financial Plan
Target 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Operating Margin > 2.0%29.9% 33.2% 38.9% 39.1% 41.6%
Debt Coverage Ratio > 2.00 --11.4 8.8 3.7
Rate Adjustment < 5.0%3.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Operating Margin = (Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges) - (Operating Expenses including depreciation)
(Operating Revenues from Monthly Charges)
Debt Coverage Ratio = (Operating Income before depreciation + Development Fees + Earned Interest)
(Annual Debt Service Expense)
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2023 Expenses
Operating expenses have increased at an accelerating rate in recent years with 2023 seeing a 10.3%
annual growth over 2022. Total expenses for stormwater services and capital investment grew 8.8% in
2023 over 2022, in part due to a one-time transfer of funds for a new customer service and billing
system. Major capital comprised 26% of total expenses with administrative expenses accounting for
21% and drainage and detention operations making up 15% of total expenses. The pie chart below
breaks down all expenses in 2023.
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Long-Term Financial Analysis
Revenue Analysis
Stormwater revenues consist of operating revenues collected through monthly fees for stormwater services and
non-operating revenues. Non-operating revenues, which comprise 9.4%, or $2.0M, of total revenues, consist of
development fees, interest revenue on cash reserves, and other miscellaneous revenues
The pie chart here shows how operating revenues were generated in 2023. Operating revenues consist of just two
categories of stormwater fees.
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Operating revenues increased in both categories in 2023 from 2022 from a 3.0% rate increase as shown
by the graph below. Non-operating revenues from development fees were 19% higher than what was
realized in 2022 reflecting the development happening outside of the water and wastewater service
territories within City limits. Revenues are budgeted tightly in stormwater as there are no volumetric
components to these fees.
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From a longer-term perspective, operating revenues for this fund have grown modestly over the previous decade
from $14.4M in 2013 to $19.0M in 2023 while monthly rates have only increased at an annualized rate of 1.2%.
Thus, most of the growth in operating revenues is attributable to customer growth.
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The table below shows the annual revenues by major categories for the past 5 years. Operating revenues are fairly
even between single family residential customers and non-single family residential customers. The table also
shows that the non-lapsing revenues over this same period have come mostly from development fees but as
interest rates increase so does the interest earned on cash reserves.
Looking at revenues on an annual percent change basis shows a longer-term trend of 2.7% annual growth since
2013 with 2023. The increase in non-operating revenues is at a higher annualized rate but is only being realized
on 9.4% of total revenues. This re-emphasizes that revenue growth is being driven by modest rate increases along
with customer growth, and those rates for monthly charges have increased at the rate of inflation (0-2% prior to
2022) over each time horizon.
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Customers 46,847 47,186 47,920 49,685 49,685
Annual Rate Adjustment 2.00% 2.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.00%
Single Family Residential SW Services 7,753,510$ 8,014,266$ 8,108,434$ 8,103,736$ 8,496,084$
Non-single Family SW Services 9,687,617$ 9,895,468$ 9,918,662$ 9,918,378$ 10,354,146$
Operating Revenue 17,441,127$ 17,909,734$ 18,027,096$ 18,022,114$ 18,850,230$
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio 709,900$ 840,615$ 1,420,098$ 836,158$ 998,420$
Interest Revenue 453,376$ 306,656$ 189,977$ 420,241$ 913,158$
Other Misc 48,624$ 35,734$ 33,697$ 41,318$ 66,680$
Non-Operating Revenue 1,211,900$ 1,183,005$ 1,643,773$ 1,297,717$ 1,978,258$
Total Revenues 18,653,028$ 19,092,739$ 19,670,869$ 19,319,830$ 20,828,488$
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Trend
5 Yr
Annualized
Trend
3 Yr
Annualized
Trend
1 Yr
Annualized
Trend
Customers 1.51%1.41%1.74%0.00%
Annual Rate Adjustment 1.20%1.40%1.00%3.00%
Single Family Residential SW Services 2.73%2.48%1.97%4.84%
Non-single Family SW Services 2.72%1.83%1.52%4.39%
Operating Revenue 2.72%2.12%1.72%4.60%
Development Fees/PIFs/Contributio 1.71% -1.03% 5.90% 19.41%
Interest Revenue 16.84% 17.55% 43.87% 117.29%
Other Misc 9.90%3.29% 23.11% 61.38%
Non-Operating Revenue 6.43%5.48% 18.69% 52.44%
Total Revenues 3.02%2.41%2.94%7.81%
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Taking all this historical perspective into account, the stochastic financial modeling considers the next ten-year
horizon. Looking out over the next ten years, revenues are expected to continue trending upward as customer
growth continues and loss modest rate adjustments of 6-8% annually are implemented. The graph below shows a
forecasted annual growth of 8.2% in future operating revenue (solid green line) which exceeds the 2.72% growth
over the past decade. This is necessary to make significant capital investments in stormwater infrastructure over
the coming decade. The green area shows the range of revenues considered in the stochastic analysis for the long-
term financial model. It is a fairly tight band as these revenues are quite stable and predictable.
Non-operating revenues are expected to remain within the range seen over the past decade. Any unanticipated
grant revenue would positively impact the financial health of the utility and as such is not modelled here. Non-
operating revenues are expected to remain a relatively insignificant contributor to total revenues at less than 10%
of total revenues in the coming decade.
Expenditure Analysis
Stormwater expenses consist of operating expenses directly related to storm runoff collection in the storm basins
and indirect customer service and administrative costs. Non-operating expenses include capital investments made
in renewing existing assets and adding additional storm drainage infrastructure throughout the City.
The pie chart below shows all operating expenses for Stormwater in 2023.
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Operating expenses have increased in recent years as shown in the table below. Just as revenues are
budgeted conservatively, expenses are budgeted adequately to ensure that the annual appropriations
made by City Council are not exceeded according to the Municipal Code.
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Stormwater operating expenses are shown below from a longer-term perspective in the categories consistent with
the monthly financial operating report. Depreciation is a non-budgetary operating expense that is also included
here as it represents the amount of value lost in existing assets. Ideally, this lost value represents a minimal level
of capital investment in the renewal of existing assets to ensure the long-term reliability of the system. Total
operating expenses have grown at an annual rate of 6.1% over the past decade. This rate of annual growth for all
operating expenses is assumed to be tightly managed in the analysis and forecasts below.
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Operating expenses in the Stormwater Fund have grown above the rate of inflation over the past decade. The
most critical factor in the financial health of this Fund is to manage operational expenses to grow more modestly
in the future. Drainage and Detention have grown at the fastest rate over the 3, 5 and 10-year timeframes. The
significant increase in administrative services from the CS&A internal services fund reflects the creation of the
One Water Director’s Office in 2023.
The table below shows operating and non-operating expenses by the major categories shown in the Monthly
Financial Operating Report (MOR). Depreciation is estimated for 2023 in this table and analysis.
Drainage and Detention – These operating expenses are directly related to providing stormwater services to the
community. In 2022 these expenses increased by $380,000 over 2021 and then increased another $200,000 in
2023 resulting in an annualized growth rate of 7.1% over the past decade which is considerably higher than
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Drainage and Detention 1,784,132$ 1,818,397$ 1,882,633$ 2,264,893$ 2,462,494$
Engineering 1,607,446$ 1,526,331$ 1,400,178$ 1,477,257$ 1,595,005$
Stormwater Quality Programs 497,358$ 372,310$ 406,658$ 482,359$ 522,894$
Admin Services - CS&A 2,519,370$ 2,997,457$ 2,826,695$ 2,916,400$ 3,550,000$
Admin Services - General Fund 379,748$ 389,242$ 404,216$ 406,211$ 466,035$
Other Payments & Transfers 436,275$ 606,204$ 732,073$ 1,100,515$ 1,189,818$
Depreciation 2,960,096$ 3,196,413$ 3,359,092$ 3,397,648$ 3,500,000$
Total Operating Expenses 10,184,426$ 10,906,354$ 11,011,546$ 12,045,282$ 13,286,246$
Debt Service 3,279,269$ 1,706,667$ 1,363,283$ 962,436$ -$
Internal Transfers Out 409,371$ 412,149$ 448,170$ 440,312$ 2,608,579$
Misc Non-operating Expenses -$ -$ -$ -$ -$
Minor Capital 191,632$ 363,474$ 114,422$ 878,183$ 230,941$
Major Capital 7,070,060$ 6,178,202$ 5,703,930$ 4,610,471$ 4,473,533$
Total Non-operating Expenses 10,950,331$ 8,660,492$ 7,629,805$ 6,891,402$ 7,313,053$
Total Expenses 21,134,757$ 19,566,846$ 18,641,351$ 18,936,684$ 20,599,300$
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inflation over that period. Active management of these costs will help maintain the operating margin that is
necessary to fund capital investments in this fund.
Engineering – Engineering services have grown at a modest rate over the past decade although the one-year
increase of 8.0% is higher than inflation. These costs are primarily personnel costs so this rate of increase is
likely tied to filling a vacancy.
Stormwater Quality Programs – These programs are a vital part of the stormwater services provided to the
community. Annual expenses fluctuate from year to year but have returned to pre-COVID levels in 2023.
Administrative Services from Customer Service & Administration – These support service expenses have
grown at an annual rate of 6.0% over the past decade. The 21.7% increase realized in 2023 is largely attributable
to the creation of the One Water Director’s Office in the internal services fund in 2023.
Administrative Services from the General Fund – These support services are primarily legal support. Annual
growth is not expected to be large going forward as most of these costs are personnel costs.
Internal Transfers Out – In 2023 a significant appropriation was made for a new Customer Information and
Billing System. The transfer was made to the Utilities internal services fund as a one-time expense.
Stormwater O&M expenses have increased at a rate exceeding inflation over the past decade. This will need to be
addressed through active management. Looking out over the next ten years through the long-term financial
model, expenses will need to be tightly managed so as not to exceed the rate of inflation in total. The solid red
line into the future assumes operating expenses grow at a rate of only 4.4% annually consistent with the historical
Year
10 Yr
Annualized
Trend
5 Yr
Annualized
Trend
3 Yr
Annualized
Trend
1 Yr
Annualized
Trend
Drainage and Detention 7.1%9.9%10.6%8.7%
Engineering 2.3%1.5%1.5%8.0%
Stormwater Quality Programs 14.0%1.3%12.0%8.4%
Admin Services - CS&A 6.0%8.0%5.8%21.7%
Admin Services - General Fund 4.9%-0.3%6.2%14.7%
Other Payments & Transfers 14.1%26.2%25.2%8.1%
Depreciation 5.1%4.4%3.1%3.0%
Total Operating Expenses 6.1%6.7%6.8%10.3%
Debt Service -100.0% -100.0% -100.0% -100.0%
Internal Transfers Out 28.4%53.2%85.0%492.4%
Misc Non-operating Expenses
Minor Capital 4.7%2.8%-14.0% -73.7%
Major Capital 4.5%-8.8%-10.2%-3.0%
Total Non-operating Expenses 0.0%-7.6%-5.5%6.1%
Total Expenses 3.4%0.1%1.7%8.8%
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growth. The uncertainty in operating expenses is large and highlights the importance of stochastic modeling
rather than showing a single forecasted value a decade into the future.
Operating Income Analysis
Looking at operating revenues and expenses on the same chart shows there is more variability in operating
expenses than revenues although both are fairly stable. This utility has no measurable seasonality or year-over-
year weather driven variability in operating revenues that must be accounted for in the financial modeling.
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Looking at the operating margin, this Fund has a significant operating margin for a municipal utility. This has
been intentional from the utility’s inception to fund infrastructure investment through a combination of cash
reserves and debt issuances. This delta between the operating revenues and operating expenses has shown a
steady declining trend as operating expenses have grown faster than customer and revenue growth.
This trend of declining operating margin is expected to continue in the near term before being changed provided
operating expenses are controlled.
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Capital Planning and Expenditure Analysis
Note: Appendix A shows the anticipated capital investments and expected year of investment.
Operational goals for the Stormwater utility are focused on build out of stormwater infrastructure throughout the
City. While the City has a very favorable Community Rating for flood mitigation, there remain pockets of flood
prone areas which require additional storm drainage investments. The financial models require a review of the
10-year capital investment plans and a need to re-prioritize the anticipated projects along with any new
investments.
The current 10 Year capital improvement plan (CIP) anticipates 400% more capital investment over the coming
decade than was realized in the previous decade. This increase is not financially feasible without much larger rate
increases than what is being considered in this analysis. This analysis suggests that there could be sufficient
funding to double the historical capital investment over the coming decade and then use the additional operating
margin into the future to complete the build-out within a foreseeable timeline.
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The development of prioritized CIPs is necessary to ensure efficient use of capital to optimize the levels of service
being provided to our community. This prioritization has been an elusive goal since the first CIP was developed
in 2016. This Fund has prioritized previous CIPs using a multi-attribute decision analysis tool but the needed
capital has not been appropriated for more than a few of the highest priority projects. Progress has been made on
identifying the service level metrics for this utility but setting service level targets and the relative weights of
those service levels remains to be done. Additionally, the 10-year CIPs have fluctuated significantly from one
budget cycle to the next (every 2 years) which makes financial planning more challenging than more stable and
refined CIPs would require for each utility including this one. This type of volatility in long-term planning efforts
is very unsettling.
The graph below shows the evolution of the Stormwater CIP over the last 3 budget cycles compared to the 2023
CIP, reflecting the impacts of some of the macro-economic challenges outlined above as well as updated planning
and analysis. The lack of a consistent senior leadership team throughout Utilities has also impacted the CIPs as
new leaders bring new perspectives and ideas but change too quickly to refine the CIPs. The growth of the
number of projects in the CIP will require further consideration around how to fully resource these projects which
could result in a more even distribution of capital required than what is shown in the chart above.
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The current 10 Year CIP consists of $239M of identified capital investments which consists of $35M for stream
rehabilitation investments and $204M in flood control structures. (All projects are identified in 2023 dollars so
that a consistent inflation can be applied to all future projects.)
The following chart shows the historical annual capital investment made each year with the amount of approved
capital investment remaining at the end of the year. Each year new capital appropriations are made for specific
projects which add to the capital investment remaining from previous years. The amount of capital appropriations
remaining at the end of each year exceeds the realized annual capital investment made each year. At the end of
2023, the amount of capital appropriated from previous budget cycles was $13.9M. This $13.9M shown in blue
will require more than two years to invest at the recent rate of investment without any additional capital
appropriations being requested.
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While there is some lead time related to capital investments because of the policy of fully funding each capital
investment up front, this build-up of capital work reduces the agility to adapt capital investments as priorities may
change. The capital improvement plan discussed below and included in Appendix A is recommending that an
additional $32.5M be appropriated in the 2025-26 budget cycle for capital work. This would be in addition to the
special appropriation made in early 2024 for the $40M Oak Street Outfall which will require two years to
complete construction. It is recommended that a long-term strategic resource plan be developed to execute all
currently funded and future capital investments before any additional debt is issued for any capital investment.
Debt Analysis
Last Bond Rating: AA+ (in 2023)
While operating revenues are intended to cover all operating expenses, debt issuances are an important source of
funding for capital investments for any utility. Debt issuances also establish generational equity by having the
generation of customers benefiting from the investment funding the investment through the debt repayment rather
than having current customers pay for investments that are necessary to serve future generations. Given the
significant increase in capital investment that is expected over the next decade, significant levels of debt will be
necessary even after the use of all available reserves and anticipated development fees.
The long-term financial modeling relies on objective criteria to drive financial decisions such as when to issue
debt. The use of objective criteria allows for future debt issuances to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning
as to why an issuance is needed in any given year based on the current CIP. Debt issuances are based on the
following criteria.
1. If capital investments are anticipated to exceed available reserves over the next 3 years a debt issuance is
assumed to be sufficient to cover the next 2 years capital investments and leave 125% of the minimum
required reserve. This recommendation is presented to the Council Finance Committee ahead of the
biennial budget cycle.
2. Because there are costs associated with debt issuances, a balance is struck between frequently issuing debt
and making efficient use of the generated capital by limiting the frequency of debt issuances to no more
than once every 3 years.
In 2023 this utility issued a revenue bond totaling $38.245M in par value at a coupon rate of just below 5.000%.
This issuance was done for a specific capital project, the Oak Street Outfall. The debt issuance was reviewed by
Standard and Poor’s and Fitch with a AA+ bond rating. The output from the long-term financial model that is the
basis of this plan was provided to the analysts for their revised bond rating.
The chart below shows the historical and future debt for this Fund including a potential $45M issuance in the
2025-26 budget cycle and another issuance in the 2029-30 budget cycle.
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Historically the debt coverage ratio for this Fund has been at or above the internally recommended ratio of 2.0
necessary to be viewed as favorably as possible by the rating agencies. Meeting the recommended minimum debt
coverage ratio may not be possible in the next few years due to a combination of uncertainties around
development fees and the increased debt service expense associated with the 2023 debt issuance.
The debt capacity of the Stormwater Enterprise Fund is stable because of the relatively low volatility of net
pledged revenues which are primarily drawn from the large operating margin. Any necessary future debt
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issuances are expected to be rated at AA+ or better. The stochastic modeling assumes that future interest rates
would fluctuate within a range between 3.0 and 6.0%.
Reserves Analysis
Financial Management Policy 5 specifies Fund Balance Minimums for Enterprise Reserves. It also states that
additional reserves should be set aside for anticipated capital investments. The graph below reflects the total Fund
Balance as well as the portion of that balance that is available for capital appropriations above and beyond the
minimum required reserve balance and any existing capital appropriations. The long-term financial modeling
objectively determines when additional capital investment should come from Available Reserves and when it
should come through rates or more immediately through debt issuances.
Based on the actual financials compared to the 2023 budget where realized revenues exceeded realized expenses
by $4.4M, it is estimated that over $44M was added to Available Reserves in 2023 including the $40M of bond
proceeds.
Debt Capacity Estimation
Interest Rate:5.00%
Net Pledged Revenue (5yr ave):$10,997,000
Debt Coverage
Ratio
Debt Capacity
(10 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(15 yr Debt)
Debt Capacity
(20 yr Debt)
1.0 $85 $114 $137
1.2 $71 $95 $114
1.4 $61 $82 $98
1.6 $53 $71 $86
1.8 $47 $63 $76
2.0 $43 $57 $69
2.2 $39 $52 $62
2.4 $35 $48 $57
2.6 $33 $44 $53
2.8 $30 $41 $49
3.0 $28 $38 $46
Outstanding Debt in 2023:$40.0 M
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The available fund balance is expected to continue to decrease due to the significant capital investment identified
in the CIP requiring additional debt issuances over the next 3-5 years. The actual increase in Available Reserves
reflected below is being driven by the timing of debt issuances and the capital investments in the unprioritized
CIP. A more strategic approach is necessary as not all capital investments can be funded over this decade without
significantly higher rate increases and more debt issuances being needed to achieve the proposed capital
investments.
Rate Analysis
Prior to the 2015-16 budget cycle rate adjustments were subjectively determined. Beginning with the 2015-16
budget cycle objective financial metrics were established to determine necessary rate adjustments. This change
allowed for future rate adjustments to be modeled and to provide clear reasoning as to why a rate adjustment is
needed in any given year. There are three financial metrics which drive the need for a rate adjustment.
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1. Operating Income – If the combined operating income for the previous two years was negative, a rate
increase is made in the next year sufficient to generate enough operating income in the coming two years
to offset those losses. The two-year period allows for some weather or economic variability and is
consistent with the City’s biennial budget cycle.
2. Debt Coverage Ratio – A debt coverage ratio is recommended by the bond rating agencies to support the
current enterprise fund bond ratings. This debt coverage ratio is well above the minimum specified in the
bond covenants which could trigger bondholders to request a rate increase on their behalf. If the debt
coverage ratio is forecasted to drop below 2.0 in the coming year, a rate increase sufficient to raise the
debt coverage ratio to 2.1 is assumed in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council
Finance Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
3. Available Reserves – If an enterprise’s reserve balance is anticipated to drop below the minimum required
reserve level in the next year, a rate increase sufficient to maintain the minimum required reserve is made
at the beginning of that year in the financial modeling and is recommended to the Council Finance
Committee ahead of the biennial budget cycle.
The sum of these three rate adjustments is the needed rate adjustment for the following year. In addition to these
three objective criteria for rate adjustments, a 5.0% ceiling is imposed in any given year, consistent with the stated
objective of “gradual, modest rate adjustments”, which may require smoothing such an increase over the two
years of a budget cycle to not have a large rate increase one year and then no rate adjustment the next. These
same objective criteria are applied to the other 3 utility’s financial models.
It needs to be recognized that actual revenues realized from a rate increase are not typically the full amount of the
rate increase. That is to say, there is some elasticity to rate adjustments.
The results of the financial modeling which applies the same objective strategies for raising rates and issuing debt
as the other utilities are presented below along with the forecasted debt issuances in 2026 and 2029. This ten-year
rate forecast is shared with the community to be open and accountable to the ratepayers. In order to do more than
50-70% of the proposed ten-year CIP rate increases of 6-8% will be required along with additional debt issuances.
Rate adjustments of up to 6-8% will be necessary each year in the coming decade to fund 50% of the proposed
CIP. While this is not ideal, a sustained level of investment significantly higher than historical investment will be
possible after this initial decade with more modest rate adjustments. The graph below assumes that it will be
necessary to increase rates as much as 10.0% in some future years.
2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
Stormwater Adopted Rate Increase 3.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 2.0%
Realized Revenue Increase 4.6% 0.0% 0.7% 2.7% 2.6%
Year 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Rate Increase 3.0% 3.0% 6.0% 6.0% 5-7% 3-5% 4-6% 4-6% 6-8% 6-8% 6-8%
Debt Issued ($M)$45.0 $58.0 $76.0
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Financial Risk Assessment
Below is a list of identified financial risks for this utility. Each risk is preliminarily categorized as high, medium
or low according to both the likelihood and consequence of it being realized. Further assessment of these
financial risks, particularly with operational input, may change the likelihood and consequence of each and may
identify other significant financial risks. This additional assessment should be done as part of the biennial budget
cycle. These financial risks are associated with operational management and anticipated capital needs and
highlight the need for close collaboration between the financial and operational departments within Utilities as
well as the importance of having a refined, prioritized 10-year capital improvement plan rather than an a more
exhaustive list of potential capital needs that may or may not be necessary.
Risk RealizationRisk ID Risk Likelihood Consequence Mitigation Needed?Risk Description
SWFR1 CIP Volatility High High Yes
Long-term financial planning requires planning for uncertainties with more uncertainty requiring more conservative planning to achieve expected financial metrics; significant volatility on long-term capital plans increases uncertainty in the actual capital investment needs leading to inefficient use of capital, higher rate increases and less financial agility to meet operational needs
SWFR2 Undefined Service Level Metrics / Targets / Weights Medium High Yes
The impact of high CIP volatility can be lessened by optimizing such investments to meet expected levels of service through an objective, quantitative prioritization methodology based on predefined service level metrics with established targets and relative weights; not having these tools to optimize capital investment poses a significant financial risk to the utilitySWFR3Operating Expense Increases Medium High Yes OpEx assumed to not exceed 3.0%; exceedance would limit funds for capital needs and drive further rate increasesSWFR4Climate change High Medium Beyond Control As climate changes are realized it could lead to more severe flooding that requires additional capital investment beyond what is in the CIPSWFR5Retail Rate Fatigue Medium Medium Beyond Control Annual rate adjustments will be necessary to meet utility needs; rate fatigue would require a financial reassessment of ability to meet operational targetsSWFR6Higher Debt Service Costs Medium Medium Beyond Control As bond coupon rates increase, debt capacity decreases for a given level of net pledged revenuesSWFR7Unidentified Capital Projects Medium Low No As service level targets are established and asset management plans developed unanticipated capital needs may require more capital investment than currently plannedSWFR8Resource Constraints on Capital Projects High Medium Yes
Internal and external labor and material constraints could delay execution of funded capital projects
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Appendix A: Capital Improvement Plan
Below is a list of identified capital projects expected to be completed over the next decade. These projects are
grouped into the following categories:
Flood Control – infrastructure that will be necessary to reduce community flood risks
Stream Rehabilitation – capital investments with the primary objective of restoring natural streams which are a
utilized for stormwater conveyance
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Project Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 (2023 Costs)
Stormwater Master Plan Updates $225,000 $225,000 $225,000 $500,000 $500,000 $550,000 $550,000 $400,000 $400,000 $600,000 $300,000 $600,000 $400,000
SW Small Capital Program $1,540,000 $1,750,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000
Stream Rehabilitation Program $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,250,000 $3,250,000 $3,500,000 $3,500,000 $3,750,000 $3,750,000 $4,000,000 $4,000,000
SW CIPP Program $450,000 $550,000 $500,000 $500,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $500,000
SW Minor Capital $750,000 $500,000 $850,000 $450,000 $550,000 $800,000 $550,000 $550,000 $550,000 $800,000 $550,000 $550,000
Regional WQ & BMP Projects $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000
GIS Utilility Network Transition / $400k each utility $400,000
Training Coordinator and platform $50,000
Utility Billing System Upgrade $1,200,000 $900,000
College Avenue and Drake Road to Parkwood Lake $3,000,000 $2,655,547
North Mason Hickory Pond $3,182,700
North Mason Stormwater Project (River to N of Hickory $7,837,929
Magnolia Outfall (Old Town Basin Master Plan)$2,000,000 $1,200,000 $32,000,000 $22,000,000 $21,514,710
Plum Channel / Corridor (Canal Importation Basin)$1,500,000 $2,500,000 $10,266,354
Jefferson Street to Pine (Lincoln-Willow Ph2)(Old Town Basin) $8,168,930
Poudre River Flow Consolidation at College Ave. -- Poudre River Downtown Master Plan Reach 2 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $16,000,000 $12,000,000
Maple Street Storm Sewer (Old Town Basin Master Plan)$2,000,000 $2,000,000 $46,080,640
Lake / Center Storm Sewer (Spring Creek Basin Master Plan)$1,562,701
Location L: Puente Verde Regional Open Space Pond (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$22,422,118
Myrtle Street Storm Sewer (Old Town Basin Master Plan)$26,779,231
Location I: Laporte Avenue and PSD Campus (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$6,362,617
Mulberry to Boxelder Creek - Culverts and Channel - COUNTY $22,499,200
Clearview Channel (Canal Importation Basin Master Plan)$11,784,253
Fossil Creek Parkway $5,463,635
Location M: Vine Drive Crossing (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$3,040,749
Mulberry Street (Canal Importation Basin Master Plan)$9,417,541
Cooper Slough Improvements - D/S of Vine Dr (Group 2) - COUNTY (Boxelder and Cooper Slough Basin Master Plan)$1,000,391
Fossil Ridge Drive $1,439,818
Harmony Road & I-25- road imps.$18,548,385
Location D: Hollywood/Irish Pond Modifications (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$802,421
Location E: West Vine Natural Area Pond and Shirley Heights Storm Drain (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$4,659,775
Location F: Southwest Regional Pond (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$9,422,850
Location G: Soldier Creek Rehabilitation (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$2,869,205
Location H: Westland Water Quality Outfall (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$320,896
Montava Regional Improvements (Group 3) - COUNTY (Boxelder and Cooper Slough Basin Master Plan)$1,108,113
Stone Creek (North Trib) Pond and Outfall $1,951,610
Strachan and Lemay (Foothills Basin Master Plan -- 10-Year)$2,856,832
Location K: Lilac Detention Pond (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$1,440,941
Foothills Channel at Oak Brook Apartments (Foothills Basin -- 10 Year)$174,592
Manchester/Scarbourgh (Canal Importation Basin Master Plan)$13,073,834
Swift Pond Embankment (McClelland Basin Master Plan)$2,586,485
Location A: PVLC Overflow at Overland Trail and Northwest Hollywood Irish Pond (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$6,410,775
Location B: Overland/Laporte Storm Drain (proposed in place of detention pond #303) (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$1,063,902
Location C: Laporte and Sunset Storm Drain (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$1,885,183
Location J: Sanctuary Site Development (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$4,004,199
Location N: PVL Canal Conveyance Improvements (West Vine Basin Master Plan)$766,157
Oakridge Regional Detention Pond Spillway $2,927,416
Poudre River Floodplain Restoration at Riverbend Ponds and Cottonwood Hollow $22,336,096
Canal Importation Channel (Canal Importation Basin Master Plan)$3,993,160
Horsetooth at The Landings (Foothills Basin 10 Year)$1,051,799
Poudre River Downtown Master Plan - Reach 4 $1,721,823
Poudre River Downtown Master Plan - Reach 5 $1,721,823
Poudre River Downtown Master Plan - Reach 6 $1,721,823
Dry Creek Connection Channel (DC3) - COUNTY $1,639,091
No. College Ave. Property- buyout - COUNTY $3,387,454
DeClair Road and College Avenue (Foothills Basin -- 10 Year)$2,318,562
Foothills Channel West of Lemay (Foothills Basin -- 10 Year)$2,071,132
Meadowlark and Blue Mesa (Foothills Basin -- 10 Year)$2,952,037
Swallow Road to Lemay (Foothills Basin -- 10 Year)$856,952
Ziegler Pond $1,283,954
C&S Railroad No. 2 at Lang Gulch $1,486,109
C&S Railroad No. 3 at Lang Gulch (Fossil Creek Basin $1,217,298
C&S Railroad No. 4 at Lang Gulch (Fossil Creek Basin $738,683
Lincoln Channel (reaches 2,3) - COUNTY $9,823,616
Shield Street at Lang Gulch $4,206,999
Taft Hill Road at Lang Gulch (Fossil Creek Basin)$811,896
Tanglewood Drive (Foothills Basin Master Plan -- 10-Year)$774,112
No. 8 Outlet Ditch Imps (Group 4) - COUNTY (Boxelder and Cooper Slough Basin )$629,924
North Poudre Reservior and Sod Farm Improvements (Group 5) - COUNTY Boxelder and Cooper Slough Basin $2,545,853
Dixon Creek Pond $1,275,212
FLOOD CONTROL SUBTOTAL $2,290,000 $2,825,000 $4,975,000 $4,425,000 $11,532,700 $14,993,476 $16,818,930 $9,100,000 $16,266,354 $38,100,000 $27,300,000 $42,764,710 $20,862,701 $6,350,000 $303,729,175
STREAM REHABILITATION PROGRAM SUBTOTAL $3,000,000 $3,000,000 $3,250,000 $3,250,000 $3,500,000 $3,500,000 $3,750,000 $3,750,000 $4,000,000 $4,000,000
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Page 197 of 210
COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Staff: Gunnar Hale, P.E., Engineering – Civil Engineer I
Monica Martinez, Planning Development & Transportation Finance Manager
Date: February 23rd, 2024
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Laporte Multi-Modal Grant Match – Transportation Alternative Program Grant Appropriation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Laporte Avenue between Fishback Avenue and Sunset Street is a two-lane arterial roadway and
most of the roadway within the Project limits lacks adequate bicycle and pedestrian facilities
including sidewalk, bike lanes, curb and gutter. The City was awarded a $2,500,000
Transportation Alternative Program grant from the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning
Organization (NFRMPO) to fund construction of the Laporte Avenue Multi-Modal Improvement
Project. The grant award requires a 20% local match of $2,500,000. It is suggested that CCIP
Bike, CCIP Pedestrian, TCEF program funds, Transportation Services Fund Reserves and
General Fund, be used for the local match portion, as well as an additional $50,000 in overmatch
funds. The City will be required to contribute 20% of the local match funds as well as the local
overmatch funds. The City’s financial commitment to fund construction will be $625,750 in
local funds and $50,000 in local overmatch funds for a total of $675,750 to complete the
$3.175M construction.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
•Is Council Finance supportive of an out of cycle supplemental appropriation for the
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) and required local match to fund construction
for the Laporte Avenue Multi-Modal Improvement Project.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
TAP Background
In June 2023, the NFRMPO awarded the City with a TAP grant for the construction of
the Laporte Avenue Multi-Modal Improvement Project
The approved funding breakdown is as follows:
• TAP grant $2,500,000
• Local Match (City) $625,750
• Local Overmatch (City) $50,000____
• Total $3,175,750
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The total local match request from the City is $675,750. Suggested local match breakdown is as
follows: Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF) ($225,000), CCIP Bike ($122,727), CCIP
Pedestrian ($102,273), Transportation Services Fund Reserves ($750) and General Fund
($225,000) be used to support this supplemental appropriation request.
Laporte Corridor Background
The Laporte Corridor within the project limits of Fishback Avenue and Sunset Street
currently lacks adequate bicycle and pedestrian facilities including sidewalk, bike lanes
and curb and gutter.
•The roadway experiences heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic especially with
Poudre High School, many residential neighborhoods, and businesses located
adjacent to the project limits.
•Several near misses and at least one serious vehicle-pedestrian accident have
occurred.
•The corridor currently experiences a higher-than-expected volume of traffic
accidents due to the lack of adequate infrastructure
Laporte Avenue is master planned to be on the City’s low-stress bicycle network. The
Project will address the safety concerns and lack of multi-modal infrastructure.
Laporte Corridor Project Status
•TAP Grant submitted – 2020
o $750,000 awarded.
•MMOF Grant submitted – 2020
o $250,000 awarded.
•Revitalizing Main Street Grant awarded – 2021
o $1,437,500 awarded.
•TAP Grant Submitted – 2023
o $2,500,000 awarded.
•East Segment 100% Design – Completed Fall 2023
•West Segment 90% FOR Design – January 2024
•East Segment Construction – March 2024
•West Segment Construction – June 2024
Staff is recommending appropriation of the City’s construction local match and overmatch for
several reasons.
•In line with guiding themes and principles of the City Strategic Plan:
o Multimodal Transportation
ATTACHMENTS
1.Council Finance PowerPoint Presentation
Page 199 of 210
1
Laporte Multimodal – Council Finance Committee
Gunnar Hale, Monica Martinez
February 23rd, 2024
Page 200 of 210
Direction Sought
•Are Finance Committee Members supportive of an out of cycle
supplemental appropriation for the Transportation Alternative
Program (TAP) local match to fund construction for the Laporte
Avenue Multi-Modal Improvement Project?
2Page 201 of 210
Where We Are
Design - Horrocks
•100% Design East Segment Laporte Corridor (Fishback to Stodgy Brewing)
•95% Design West Segment Laporte Corridor (Taft Hill to Sunset)
•Finish Late Q2 2024
Project Rating System
•Envision
TAP Grant Awarded Q3 2023
•20% Local Match
Construction - SEMA
•East Segment on track to begin in April
•West Segment will start after school lets out in June
3
Page 202 of 210
Where We Are
Previous Grants
•TAP (Transportation Alternative
Program)
•$750,000 awarded in 2020
•MMOF (Multimodal Transportation and
Mitigation Options Fund)
•$250,000 awarded in 2020
•Revitalizing Main Street
•$1,437,500 awarded in 2021
4
Previous Local Funds
•TCEF (Transportation Capital Expansion
Fee)
•$389,142 appropriated in 2021
•Transportation Services Fund (292)
•$858 appropriated in 2021
•CCIP (Community Capital Improvement
Program)
•$300,000 awarded in 2023
Page 203 of 210
Next Steps
5
IGA
•Currently Finalizing with CDOT
CFC/City Council – February/March 2024
•Local Match appropriation – construction
•IGA Approvals
Design
•Complete design of West Segment (Taft Hill
to Sunset)
Construction
•Negotiating construction cost with CM/GC
contractor for the West segment
Page 204 of 210
Laporte Corridor Project
6
Proposed Funding Details
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant Funds $2,500,000
Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) Bike Program $122,727
Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) Pedestrian
Program $102,273
Transportation Capital Expansion Fee (TCEF) Funds $225,000
General Fund $225,000
Transportation Services Fund Reserves $750
Total Funds to be Appropriated per this Action $3,175,750
Transfer to Art in Public Places $4,500
Total Project Funds $6,303,250
• Funding required for
completion of construction
planned for 2024
•20% local match with
overmatch split between
TCEF, Transportation
Services Fund Reserves
Bike and Pedestrian CCIP
and General Fund
• This is coming to CFC
because General Fund is
being requested Page 205 of 210
Key Metrics
•Enhanced Safety –separating the
bike lanes from the vehicular
roadway
•Reduction in vehicle/bicycle
accidents
•Improve connecting walkways,
bikeways
•Increase bicycling and/or walking
activity
•Increase economic opportunities
along the corridor
7
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Laporte Corridor East Segment Aerial
8
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Laporte Corridor West Segment Aerial
9
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Project Schedule
10
PERIODS
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36East Segment
Design 100%
TAP Grant Round 2 100%
Utility Clearance 100%
NEPA CatEx 100%
West Segment 70%
ROW Clearance 70%
Cost Estimating &
Negotiation 60%
Construction East
Segment 0%
Construction West
Segment 0%
ACTIVITY PERCENT
COMPLETE 2023 2024 2025
Page 209 of 210
Direction Sought
•Are Finance Committee Members supportive of an out of cycle
supplemental appropriation for the Transportation Alternative
Program (TAP) local match to fund construction for the Laporte
Avenue Multi-Modal Improvement Project?
11
Page 210 of 210