The Town of Alpine is moving a Utility Rates Ordinance, Utility Procedure Ordinance and Capacity Fee Ordinance through the town council process in November.

Why Rates Are Proposed to Increase

From 2023–2024, the Town contracted the Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) to complete comprehensive water and wastewater rate studies. These studies analyzed audited financials, system usage, treatment demands, and long-term infrastructure needs. Both studies found that current utility rates do not cover required operating costs, maintenance, regulatory obligations, or future capital needs, as required under Wyoming State Statute 15-7-407.

State statute also requires towns to maintain a dedicated depreciation fund for future replacements and upgrades. Alpine’s current rates were not meeting these statutory or financial requirements, leading to underfunding of essential system needs.

Summary of Proposed Rate Adjustments

• Water base charge (¾-inch meter): Increasing from $31.00 to $35.65

• Water usage charge: Increasing from $2.00 to $2.30 per 1,000 gallons

• Monthly sewer charge: Increasing from $54.00 to $67.50

Example of Monthly Impact

For a typical single-family residence on a ¾-inch meter with 1 ERU using 10,000 gallons per month, the monthly utility bill would increase by approximately $21.15.

To view the full rate schedule  and complete ordinance, visit the Town of Alpine website or stop by Town Hall for a printed copy.

Capacity Fee Ordinance

The Capacity Fee Ordinance is based on recommendations from Raftelis Financial Consultants and has been reformatted into the Town’s standard ordinance structure. The associated capacity fee schedule will be adopted separately through the Fee Ordinance. Importantly, the establishment of capacity fees has resulted in a significant decrease in connection fees, ensuring that new development pays only for the system capacity it requires.

Utility Procedure Ordinance

This ordinance separates procedural requirements from fee schedules, allowing future fee adjustments to be made through the standalone Fee Ordinance without modifying procedural language.

Public Participation  Encouraged

These proposed changes are based on professional analysis, statutory requirements, and long-term system needs, not arbitrary increases.