The Town Board of Trustees approved the 2023 budget at the October 10th meeting.  

2023 budgets total $55.0 million.  Even with the increased costs (over $12 million) and reduced revenues (over $4 million) resulting from the Marshall Fire, property tax rates controlled by the Town are projected to remain stable or increase only slightly.

2022 was the 19^th consecutive year the Town had decreased at least one of our property tax rates.  However, with the Boulder County Assessor’s Office reducing property values for parcels impacted by the Marshall Fire along with reduced property valuation rates and property tax exemptions from State Bill 22-238, the Town will maintain property tax rates, or in the case of the Interchange District slightly increase:

• Town General Fund net tax at 7.93 mills – the same as 2022.  The Town has the legal ability to charge up to 12.127 mills, but is again planning in 2023 to issue a temporary mill levy credit of 4.197.  This tax rate is down 10% since 2007. 

• Town Library tax at 1.50 mills

• Superior/McCaslin Interchange Metropolitan District (SMID) tax increasing slightly as a result of decreasing property values.  Since 2012 this tax rate has decreased over 35%.

Monthly trash and recycling fees will increase to $14.49.  In order to continue the high standard of landscape/park maintenance and annual flower plantings, monthly landscape fees are proposed to increase (3%), or less than $1/month.

Utility fee changes include a 5% increase in sewer service/usage charges.  A residential customer will see their bill increase $1.70 per month as a result of this fee increase.  This rate adjustment is necessary to offset increased operational utility costs, routine system capital maintenance, debt service and utility system capital improvements anticipated as a result of unfunded State and Federal mandates.  Previously, water rates were projected to increase 0% annually for the foreseeable future (at least through 2027).  However, there are proposed water rate increases in 2026 and 2027 of 5% as a result of Marshall Fire recovery costs.   The last water fee increase was in 2017.  The last storm drainage fee increase was in 2015.

The 2023 capital program calls for (1) transportation improvements Rock Creek Parkway/McCaslin Intersection Reconstruction, (2) Rock Creek Parkway bridge rehabilitation and (3) other street maintenance of $3.15 million.  2023 water, sewer and storm drainage capital improvements are budgeted at $10 million.

In terms of parks and recreation amenities, there will be continued significant maintenance activities and improvements at our pools, parks, ball fields and tennis courts, including playground and shade improvements.  Tree, plant and shrub enhancements will continue as well as irrigation system upgrades throughout Town.  An Open Space master plan is also budgeted.  New activities and programming are planned in the Downtown Superior Civic Space (summer 2023). 

To meet ever expanding service delivery demands the following new positions included in the 2023 budget:

• the equivalent of three full-time positions for the new Downtown Superior Civic Space
• a part-time Finance Accounting Technician
• a contract BOCO Sheriff Deputy to provide a minimum of two deputies per shift 

A Town of Superior November 2022 ballot item, an extension of an expiring .16% sales tax, is not included in this budget.  Estimated annual revenues from this tax are $800,000. 

• This extension will NOT increase the Town's sales tax rate
• The ONLY use of these monies is to help cover some of the Town expenses relating to the Marshall Fire recovery efforts. Over $12 million in expenses have been identified. (Read Project List)
• This tax extension will automatically EXPIRE on December 31, 2032.
• Even with this tax extension, Superior’s sales/use tax rate will be LOWER than all of our Boulder County neighbors (Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville)
• 70% of our sales tax revenues come from people residing OUTSIDE of the Town of Superior

The 2023 budget is available below for your review.  Also, a link to a PowerPoint summary of the budget is attached.  Please contact Town Hall at 303-499-3675 with any questions.

2023 Budget
Budget Message and Introduction
Budget Overview
Revenue and Expense Summary
General Fund
Special Revenue
Superior Metro District #1 (SMD #1)
Superior Urban Renewal Authority (SURA)
Superior McCaslin Interchange (SMID)
Debt Service
Capital Improvement
Glossary

October 10 Budget Presentation