The 2018 Kremmling Town Budget was approved by the Kremmling Town Board on December 13 in a rescheduled meeting.
In preliminary discussions in November, Town Manager Mark Campbell outlined highlights on the budget emphasizing, “I do budget very conservatively on the income … based on where we were and the worst year of the last 10, and basically, it was about $600,000.” Manager Campbell noted that the adopted budget could reflect a positive balance at the end of 2018, “but in a worst case scenario this does show the Town is solvent.” Major projects in 2017 were the summer road improvements around town.
Water plans
In 2018, the focus will be water. The Town is currently budgeting for a new water plant in the next 5-10 years depending on Kremmling’s growth.
The possible expansion of the Jones 1 Reservoir was also addressed. Jones 1 is one of three reservoirs the Town uses. The Town’s water rights may allow Jones 1 to be expanded for more storage. Manager Campbell reported that the Town is working with Bill Wormack, a water engineer at the Applegate Group, to determine the feasibility of expanding Jones 1, and Mayor Tom Clark also reported that discussions have begun with Grand River Ranch concerning the expansion. Mayor Clark feels that expansion of Jones 1 could help meet the long-term needs of the Town in 25 or more years.
Last year, the Town had two new water taps installed for new residences. The Town is also planning to put mixers in the water tanks to improve water quality. The tanks hold 500,000 gallons a piece for the Town’s use and the mixers ensure the water is blended, fresh, and not stagnant. The mixers in the tanks will help reduce manual maintenance and is a requirement of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
According to Public Works Director, Jason Bock, the Town is also planning to replace the old four-inch steel main that currently provides River Ranch Village with water. River Ranch Village is a mobile home park on the southeast edge of Kremmling. “This will be the last of the old steel main that needs to be replaced. It will greatly increase fire flows for the FedEx building, the pellet plant property and the trailer court itself,” Bock commented.
Kremmling Police to get body cams
The Kremmling Police Department’s budget increased in anticipation of a new police car and new body cams. Kremmling Police Chief, Scott Spade reported the 2010 Impala will be replaced and be put up for bid in August. The Kremmling Police Department is the last law enforcement agency in the county to adopt body cameras. The cameras will capture video during police interaction with the public and are expected to be in use in the next three months.
Grants
The Town has not received substantial grants this last year, and Manager Campbell reported he would like to get bigger grants for a bigger project versus getting little grants. He commented he would like to work with individuals involved in the recreation program to develop a master plan and possibly partner with the county to go for a GOCO grant (Great Outdoors Colorado) for Red Mountain Complex.
Trash and Mosquitoes
Town residences will not see an increase in trash rates. Manager Campbell reported the rate increase had been factored in previous years and he is now negotiating a new contract with The Trash Company. This year $1500 has been budgeted for a town clean-up. Mosquito control has also been budgeted at $40,000 for the upcoming year. The Town will do three aerial sprays again next year and does not plan on other measures at this time.
Personnel Cost of Living Raise
The 2018 budget reflects a 3% cost of living expense for personnel. The 3% cost of living increase is based on the Denver-Boulder-Greely Consumer Price index which was actually 3.08%. In terms of health benefits, the Town saw an increase of 1% in health benefits while the costs for dental and vision remained the same. Health and dental benefits are provided at 80% to employees and vision and life benefits are a provided at 100%. The Town of Kremmling has ten full-time employees. In the Town Hall, there is the manager, town clerk, and town treasurer. The Public Works Department is headed by the director and employs two additional persons. The Kremmling Police Department has four full-time employees. The Town also pays a Municipal Judge part-time with benefits while the attorney position is contracted.
