Windsor
Windsor budget proposal projects 7.5% water, 12.17% stormwater rate hikes
The proposal also allocates $68,739,257 to the sewer plant’s Liquids Expansion Project and $866,256 for water-meter replacements, which are scheduled to begin at homes Monday, Nov. 2.
Windsor’s proposed 2027 budget projects a 7.5% increase in water rates and a 12.17% increase in stormwater rates.
The proposed budget estimates sewer utility-sales revenue of $8,572,500. That estimate uses a 12.5% rate adjustment to 2026 projections. It also estimates $10,742,411 in water utility-sales revenue, factoring in the projected 7.5% rate increase and 1% more accounts.
The proposed Sewer Fund capital budget allocates $68,739,257 to the sewer plant’s Liquids Expansion Project. Staff said financing for the expansion supplied most of the fund’s $70 million beginning balance. The fund is estimated to end 2027 with $4.4 million, above its $4.2 million policy minimum, staff said.
A board member said the $230,000 Historic Shovel Sculpture had raised about $30,000 to $40,000, including $10,000 previously allocated by the town. The group seeks at least $130,000 to start and hopes to secure another $60,000 to $80,000 for materials by year’s end, the member said. “My only request and suggestion is don't fund it out of the public art fund,” a staff member said, noting that the money supports Arts Commission projects. The staff member suggested outside-agency funding or reserves instead, with a separate budget line to show where the money comes from.
The proposed Capital Improvement Fund budget includes $13,340,000 for street improvements, led by $6,250,000 for the Windsor Lake Road/WCR 70 middle segment and $3 million for the Hollister Lake Road and Main Street intersection. The Streets & Alleys request cuts street repairs by $320,000 and utilities by $187,000 compared with 2026. The staff member said the board had set aside $1 million a year for County Road 70 and the proposal draws down that reserve as road work begins. The board member argued that a previous board should not bind its successor: “you would be able to change it at that point.”
The proposed Water Fund budget sets aside $866,256 for the town’s water-meter replacement project. It also includes $80,000 for water sampling stations. Home meter replacements are scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 2.