Town Commissioners — 2026-07-24

This Queenstown Commissioners meeting record covers public hearings on Ordinance 26-02, which would raise monthly water and sewer consumption rates by 32% for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027, and Ordinance 26-01, the proposed FY2027 general budget and enterprise (water/sewer) budget that sets tax rates. Commissioners and staff (President Al Hardee; Commissioners Bryon Callahan and Jim Watzin; Town Manager Amy Moore; Town Clerk Aaron Horney; Assistant Attorney Jen Dindinger; Finance Chair Pat Bowell) said the rate increase is driven by long-running water/sewer fund deficits, use of reserve funds, and recent rate studies; public commenters asked about an Old Wharf Lane sewer line replacement, membrane failures at the plant, the Wheatlands development’s effect on debt service, and whether general fund money can be used. The commission reported consensus to implement the full 32% increase now (the record closes the hearings but does not show formal adoption here) and noted the proposed tax rates remain $0.2312 per $100 for real property, $0.58 per $100 for commercial/business personal property, and $2.75 per $100 for public utilities. In the regular meeting public works reported equipment and maintenance issues: both EQ pumps stopped due to heat/A/C failure in the blower room (commissioners agreed to replace with split A/C units), the Kohler generator showed a low‑engine‑speed fault (tech scheduled), Utility Tank was washed and will be refilled and tested, Aerzen blowers need shaft seal and PRV work totaling $25,233.72, and a contractor will provide a quote for culvert/ditch camera work.