Town and fire district reach agreement for sewer service

District will be out of current building six months after C.O. is issued

By Mark Reaman

With little debate, the Crested Butte town council unanimously passed a resolution on May 29 approving a utility extension agreement to provide sewer services to the Crested Butte Fire Protection District (CBFPD) as part of its new safety campus. That project is slated for summer construction just north of the town boundary by the cemetery along Gothic Road.

The final main sticking point was resolved in the past week when both parties agreed the fire district would vacate the current 306 Maroon Avenue location no later than six months after a certificate of occupancy (C.O.) is approved for the new building. The CBFPD board approved the agreement at a special meeting on May 29.

Crested Butte Public Works director Shea Earley said while a few minor issues need to be worked out, most of the major items had been resolved. Given the estimated 11.2 EQR (Equivalent Residential Usage) output between the fire station and the search-and-rescue building, the district will pay the sewer tap fees at the in-town rate. That will amount to a one-time payment of $187,129, a savings of $93,565 from the out-of-town rate. The monthly service charge will be assessed at the more expensive out-of-town rate, which will result in monthly payments of $1,359. Water will not come from the town but rather from an on-site well.

“The staff believes this arrangement should pay the ongoing maintenance and replacement costs without impacting the current rate payers,” said Earley. 

Fire district CEO Sean Caffrey gave kudos to members of the town staff and council for getting the negotiations across the finish line. 

A ceremonial groundbreaking on the campus site was held Friday afternoon.