November 30, 2020

Water Rates

The Town is changing how we charge for water and wastewater service in 2021 to provide affordable, high quality, reliable service that rewards water efficiency. Did you know the cost of water and wastewater services are paid entirely by the rates you pay, not by taxes? Additionally, the Town can use the revenue from water and wastewater rates only for those services; in this way, the Town’s utilities operate as financially distinct “Enterprise” services. To make sure we are consistent with the enterprise approach, the Town, through a nationally-recognized independent consultant, recently reviewed how we charge for these services. Based on this review, we are adjusting rates into a new structure that balances these priorities: affordability, conservation, revenue stability, and equity. Under the new rates, higher users pay more, and lower users pay less because the rates more closely reflect the actual costs of service. In the new design, about 60 percent of customers will pay less than they do today, and 17 percent will see an increase of less than $50 a year.

Learn more about the rates and the Town's water conservation programs in the brochure landing this month with your utility bill, or online here, or at www.erie.co.gov/waterrates.

Safeguarding Packages

It's easy for so-called 'porch pirates' to snatch packages from your front door, and while the tech industry is developing ways to fight this very issue, other solutions are more straightforward. The Erie Police Department notes the key is to avoid leaving packages on the porch unattended and offers a few tips to avoid having your package stolen and keep porch pirates away from Erie.

Colorado Gives Day

Colorado Gives Day, Tuesday, December 8, is an opportunity to show appreciation to Erie non-profits that provide services critical to the well-being of our community. This Colorado Gives Day, visit www.coloradogives.org, type "Erie" in the 'search by location' window, and give where you live!

How Can We Support Your Business?

The Town’s Economic Development Department has been working closely to coordinate resources for Erie businesses. To improve on these services and adapt future strategies, the Department relies heavily on input from you! Please take a short, confidential survey by December 5. We will continue to identify resources, incentives, and grants to businesses in need alongside our partners: Erie Economic Development Council, the Erie Chamber of Commerce, SBDC, Upstate Colorado, and more.
Discover a sampling of the support for Erie Businesses:

Industry Webinars hosted by Boulder County chambers and economic development partners
Business Recovery Program offers resources, community support, and signage
Emergency Relief Grants provided $300,000 to 44 businesses
Outdoor Restaurant Expansion eased regulations to accommodate sit-down service
Open for Business Map engages Erie's economy in partnership with the Economic Development Council

Operation Santa at EPD

The Optimist Club of Erie would like your help making sure all the children of Erie have a very Merry Christmas. If you would like to help, find the Giving Tree in the Erie Police Department lobby (Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and select an ornament. Purchase one or more of the gifts listed, wrap, and return the package with the ornament affixed to the Police Department by December 18. For any questions, call the Optimist Club at 303-828-3315.

Briggs Street

The Economic Development Department started the coordination of lighting the trees along Briggs Street a bit early this year, thanks to the help of the Downtown Erie Business Association. Next, the Town will affix new festive Erie banners, and the ice rink will be operational within the next two weeks. Visit Downtown Erie to see for yourself, and stay tuned to www.erieco.gov for ice skating details!