By Sandy Barnes
Berthoud Recorder

While expressing concerns over the taste and odor of the Town’s water, residents also took issue with the rates they are paying at the Aug. 25 Town Board meeting.

One resident claimed that the Town’s water rates are five times higher than those in surrounding communities. Mayor Tom Patterson said that while Berthoud water rates are higher than those in other nearby municipalities, they are not five times greater. 

Berthoud residents living inside the town limits pay $4.14 per 1,000 gallons for the first 24,000 gallons of water they use each month. This rate increases to $8.27 per 1,000 gallons for water used over 24,000 gallons. As a comparison, Loveland residents pay $1.57 per 1,000 gallons of water used monthly.

Trustee Michael Patrick explained that Berthoud water rates are based on the bond repayment for the Town’s water treatment plant, making comparisons with other cities difficult. Patrick said he thought it is important for residents to understand what they are paying for and why the rates cannot be reduced.

Public Hearing on Town Fees Set
The Board of Trustees has set a public hearing an ordinance on town fees for the Sept. 8 meeting.

The ordinance would give the town administrator the authority to review and modify fees charged for products and services related to police, record keeping, parks and recreation and the Town cemetery. The ordinance is designed to ensure that the Town recovers the costs of providing services to residents.

Water and wastewater fees are not included in the proposed ordinance.