Council interviews incumbent Sherri Brown for Water and Sewer Board ahead of appointment vote

Greeley City Council on Tuesday interviewed incumbent Water and Sewer Board member Sherri Brown ahead of a formal appointment vote scheduled for next week, with Brown emphasizing long-range water planning, growth management and utility affordability. Brown was the only applicant interviewed during the segment after Antonio Molina Haro did not appear.

Brown told council her background as a private-sector developer and builder, along with more than a decade with Habitat for Humanity, has given her experience with projects that depend on infrastructure planning, resource management and sustainable growth. She pointed to Hope Springs, which she described as the largest Habitat for Humanity community in the western region, as an example of the kind of large-scale coordination required among government, utilities, developers and community partners.

Brown said Terry Ranch was a major reason she decided to join the board several years ago, calling it the issue that first drew her in while she was watching board meetings during the pandemic. She said the project reflected the board's long-term approach to planning for Greeley's future and fit with her work in development and affordable housing, where water is a critical infrastructure need.

Asked about the city's water system, Brown said Greeley benefits from a well-managed and extensive system with more than seven reservoirs and hundreds of miles of infrastructure. She said the key challenge is not only maintaining current supplies but continuing to plan for future growth and preserve resources over the long term.

Brown also said one of her priorities in continuing on the board would be to represent residents who may be underrepresented in city decision-making and to keep utility service "equitable and fair" across the community. She said she wants the city to ensure municipal utilities remain affordable, particularly as resources tighten and some households face greater financial strain.

Mayor Dale Hall said the council's official vote on boards and commissions appointments is planned for the next regular city council meeting Tuesday.