Your Johnstown Newsletter October 2023 Issue
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Keeping Johnstown's Water Flowing in the Right Direction
From filling up your favorite water bottle to showering, you rely on water every day. Recently the Town completed a water and wastewater rate study with an independent 3rd party consultant. The analysis has resulted in a recommendation for Council to consider implementing multi-year water and wastewater rate adjustments to fund critical improvements in infrastructure. The first meeting on these matters will be held on November 6, 2023, with the first rate increase will likely go into effect on February 1, 2024.
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Our Town is growing, and we need to keep up
Johnstown is continuing to grow, and our water and wastewater services must grow with us. Between 2023 and 2027, the Town has projected capital expenditures of $142 million for water system improvements and $95 million for wastewater system improvements. One of those investments will be a new Water Treatment Plant - our current facility was constructed in 1966 and has reached its useful life. It will be updated to increase the volume of water it treats each day to meet current and future demands, ensure our treatment systems comply with ever more stringent permitting requirements, and improve taste and odor. Other investments include a new raw water trunk line to create redundancy and increase capacity, and a new Central Wastewater Treatment plant to replace our existing, outdated plant.
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How we are funding critical infrastructure investments
Utility rates and impact fees need to increase to account for the infrastructure investments necessary to keep our water and wastewater systems functioning.
First, we're ensuring that existing residents don't subsidize future neighbors who connect to the system by increasing our tap and development fees. Tap and raw water development fees ensure the costs that growth places on our infrastructure are fully covered by those who place the new/additional demand on the system. These one-time fees are charged by the Town at the building permit/construction stage and are generally paid by the developer who typically passes the cost along to home buyers in the purchase price of the property.
Existing residents are being asked to pitch in on the investments as well to improve water quality and meet current demands. Adjusted utility rates will ensure that we can invest in critical infrastructure and align with five priorities to help our community thrive: affordability, conservation, reliability and resiliency, and revenue stability for each utility's financial viability and equity.
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How your household bill will be impacted
Water rates consist of a base charge and a volumetric charge (based on how much water a household uses), so each bill will differ. As a rule of thumb, the typical single-family residential customer uses approximately 9,000 gallons per month, not including irrigation. Under the current rates, the bill for both water and sewer is $88.17. Under the new rates, the bill will be $105.11. Even with these adjusted rates, the Town's rates will remain lower than many neighboring communities. To learn more about utility rates and how these adjustments will impact you, visit our website at johnstown.colorado.gov.
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Shop Local with the Johnstown Business Directory
Once again, the holidays are right around the corner. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and entertainment, right here in town! Don't know where to start? How about taking a look at the Town of Johnstown's Business Directory? You can find it at: johnstown.colorado.gov/BusinessDirectory. This new, interactive directory connects our residents and visitors with Johnstown businesses. You can search businesses by category, location, and services offered. Happy Shopping!
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Downtown Welcomes "J"
In September the Town unveiled the new 'J' sign in Downtown Johnstown. The 'J' sign serves as a kickoff for the new downtown brand that was adopted by Council earlier this year and Phase 1 of the downtown Wayfinding Signage plan. Phase 1 includes three signs that will mark the entryway into the historic downtown. The 'J' sign serves as a focal point on the corner of Parish Avenue and N. 1st Street and illuminates at night with the tagline "Local Grows Here". The "Local Grows Here" tagline pays homage to what is local and unique about our historic downtown and sets it apart as a place that supports and encourages the growth of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and places where the community can come together.
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Via Mobility: Need a Ride?
The Town of Johnstown has partnered with Weld County to make it possible for Johnstown residents who are 60+ or for individuals with disabilities to have access to free transportation using the Via Mobility Service. Via Mobility will pick up in Johnstown Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Johnstown Residents in both Larimer and Weld County are eligible for this service. To get started, call 303-444-3043 or register at ViaColorado.org.
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On this Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who serve our country. Thank you!
Have you driven past the Town's Veterans Memorial located at I-25 frontage road and 402?
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JPD Partners With Weld Elves for Holiday Season
The Johnstown Police Department is excited to bring back the Weld Elves program for this holiday season. Toys and money can be donated to Weld Elves to benefit children faced with limitations in their homes during the holidays. This program also promotes a positive relationship between kids and first responders. Toys are being accepted at the Johnstown Police Department at 430 S. Parish Ave. Call 970-587-5555 for more information.
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Johnstown Community Center
Did you know that you can rent space in the Johnstown Community Center for a birthday party, a meeting, or perhaps a local craft fair? The Johnstown Community Center shares a location with the Johnstown Senior Center at 101 Charlotte St, right in the center of the Historic Downtown. The Community Center has two large rooms to choose from, tables, and chairs to make your next event a success.
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We Are Looking for New Team Members
Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy new opportunities while serving our citizens. Join us in making the Town of Johnstown a great place to live and work. For more information on current job openings, or to sign up to receive notification about new openings, please visit our website at johnstown.colorado.gov/employment.
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Municipal Code Reminder: Clearing the Snow From Your Sidewalk
Help us make travel safer for all. The Town of Johnstown requires residents to clear their sidewalks (in front of and adjacent to) their property of any snow and/or ice within 24 hours after a snow storm ends. Snow that is removed from the sidewalk should be put on your lawn or other vegetated areas and not into the street or alleys. For more information͕, check out Chapter 11, Article III, Section 11-43 of the Johnstown Municipal Code at johnstownco.gov/municipalcode.
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Johnstown WEST of CO Blvd
Monday Pick Up
Upcoming recycling dates below
November 13 & 27
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Johnstown EAST of CO Blvd
Wednesday Pick Up
Upcoming recycling dates below
November 1 & 15 & 29
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November 6 - Town Council Meeting at 7pm
November 10 - Town Offices Closed, Veterans' Day Observed
November 15 - Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting at 7pm
November 17 - Mobile Food Pantry at the YMCA 9-10:30am
November 20 - Town Council Meeting at 7pm
November 23-24 - Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Holiday
December 3 - Johnstown Jingle, Downtown @ 2-6pm
Find our online Community Calendar at johnstownco.gov/fullcalendar.
Town Council Meetings and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are held in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall (450 South Parish Ave) and all are welcome to attend these meetings in person.
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Johnstown Senior Center
The Johnstown Senior Center is gearing up for the end of the year. In addition to the Wednesday Friendly Fork program, here is a list of just a few of the upcoming events:
- November 3rd - Medicare Open House 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to review the different Medicare Advantage Plans
- November 9th - Shop Till You Drop outing starting at 9:30.
- November 14th - Pedicure sessions with Advanced Footcare 10:00am
- December 2nd - Christmas Boutique
For more information about these and other events, please check out johnstownco.gov/SeniorCenter and our Facebook page /JohnstownSenior Center.
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Glenn A. Jones Memorial Library
November - a month for giving and showing gratitude. The library is so grateful for our patrons and the communities that we serve, and we love the spirit of giving that this time of year ushers in. As our towns continue to grow and the needs of families increase, we invite you to drop off food donations at the library for our ongoing food drive for the local food pantry. Bring in non- perishable foods, such as peanut butter, cereal, pasta and canned goods. Items such as salad dressings, condiments, syrup, and salt are also appreciated. Thank you for this continued show of support. For more information, please call the library at 970-587-2459 or visit librariesrock.org.
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