By Edmond Ortiz
A push to support $7 million in more water and wastewater infrastructure improvements emphasizes top priorities contained in Fair Oaks Ranch’s recently adopted updated strategic plan.
Enhancing water, wastewater systems
City Council voted June 4 to pass a resolution stating the city’s intent to issue $7 million in certificates of obligation in September to help fund a series of water and wastewater system upgrades.
If all goes as planned, this September would mark the third time that the local government has issued debt in the past two years to support such utility improvements. The city previously issued $3.7 million and $7.8 million in infrastructure bonds. A fourth bond issuance is planned in September 2027 to help complete remaining approved projects.
Town officials said the addition of new projects and updated construction cost estimates have increased the originally planned $18 million in water and wastewater system upgrades to $22.5 million.
According to current projections, with the bond issues, Fair Oaks Ranch’s water debt service fee is estimated to increase from the present $23.89 to $29.69 in Fiscal Year 2027, which begins Oct. 1, while the wastewater debt service fee is estimated to rise from$16.91 to $17.85 in FY 2027.
City leaders said as new developments come online,additional impact fee revenues will become available to help offset debt service costs, resulting in decreasing debt service fees for customers.
System improvement projects include expansion of the local wastewater treatment plant, construction of an elevated water storage tank, and installation of a new 12-inch water main along Dietz Elkhorn Road, which itself will also undergo reconstruction.
How system upgrades play into strategic planning
These and other infrastructure improvements also reflect priorities officially expressed in the city’s new, long-range strategic plan that council formally adopted May 7.
Residents and other stakeholders took part in open houses and answered questionnaires toward helping city staff to assemble the new strategic plan, whose main priorities are financial stewardship, responsible growth management, reliable infrastructure, adequate public safety, operational excellence, and community engagement.
Each overarching priority offers several goals. The infrastructure portion of the strategic plan outlines numerous goals for water and wastewater utilities, including advancing priority capital improvements, and updating the inventory of related system assets, as well as noting the lifecycle of those assets.
Additionally, the updated strategic plan calls for ensuring water and wastewater rates support the utility’s operations.
The updated strategic plan, as a whole, concentrates on preserving Fair Oaks Ranch’s rural character.
“This includes disciplined adherence to long-range plans, aligning development with infrastructure and environmental constraints, and encouraging targeted commercial development that reflects community priorities,” the plan states.
City Manager Scott Huizenga summed up the plan May 7: “This plan builds upon what is already working for us.”
