Water News: Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District Volume 2 Issue 7

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r 2004 Budget Preparation The 2004 budget prepa- ration began August 22, 2003 with the receipt of the "Certification of Valuation" sheets from the nine county Assessors in the District. The pre- liminary budget will be handed out to the Board of Directors for the District by October 15, 2003. The public presentation of the budget will be made at the November 20 Board meet- ing. Comments will be ac- cepted thereafter and the final budget will be pre- sented to the Board for fi- nal approval at the De- cember meeting. The final Mill Levy cer- tifications must then be delivered to each County Commissioner by Decem- ber 15, 2003. The Operating Mill Levy receipts may de- crease this year due to the TABOR calculation as re- quired by state law. The contract repayment mill levy is outside of the TA- BOR requirements and therefore will comply with the 5.5% increase as al- lowed by state law. A major part of the budget will be the receipts from the Aurora /District IGA. Other components of the budget will be dis- closed at the October Board meeting. Written by Phil Reynolds, CFO, SECWCD Referendum A Revenue Bonds for Water Projects This year a state law mend projects to the Gover- (Senate Bill 03 -236) was nor for final approval. If the passed that establishes a board makes recommenda- process for the Colorado tions, it must recommend at Water Conservation Board least two projects from dif- (CWCB), to borrow money ferent river basins with a for water projects. The bill start date of 2005, at least refers the funding authoriza- one of which must be ap- tion to state voters proved by the Gov - consistent with the UVAS95M ernor. Currently, TABOR amendment water users pay for to the Colorado The District water projects by Constitution. This board members borrowing money, issue has had many receiving federal water boards and or- on a vote of 8 -6 and state grants or ganizations divided opposed loans and imposing the on the referendum. fees or taxes. The proposal al- referendum. At the regular meet - lows CWCB to bor- ing for the South - row up to $2 billion eastern Colorado via revenue bonds for one or Water Conservancy District more water projects. The this issue was addressed. monies received would be The District board members repaid from revenue re- on a vote of 8 -6 opposed the ceived from the projects. referendum. Other agencies Projects eligible for funding that are in opposition of the may acquire water rights, referendum are the Lower build new storage, improve Arkansas Valley Water Con - existing facilities, or in- servancy District, Pueblo - crease water conservation. League of Women Voters, Projects may also provide Action 22. Those in favor environmental and recrea- are Brad Young, State Rep - tional benefits, protect agri- resentative HD 64; Mark culture water, or assist com- Hillman, State Senator; munities negatively im- Northern Colorado Water pacted by water projects. Conservancy District; and, Public entities such as the Colorado Farm Bureau. cities, water districts, or A copy of the Act can be state agencies; private enti- obtained by visiting http: // ties; or combinations of the www.state.co.us /gov_dir/ two may propose a water stateleg.html. project to CWCB. The board Written by Margie will evaluate the requests Miller, Compliance/$ for funding and may recom- Administrative Clerk''' 2