The Pagosa Springs Sanitation General Improvement District (PSSGID) is facing a critical funding shortage. Join members of Town Council and staff for one of three identical presentations next week to learn how our sewer system works, where it is troubled, and why the Town is falling short on funding.
PSSGID plays a crucial role in managing wastewater treatment and sanitation services for residents within the district. The district was formed in 1971 as a local government entity to oversee the construction, maintenance, and improvement of the Town’s sanitation infrastructure. Pagosa Springs Town Council members serve as the the PSSGID board members.
The current sewer system has significant issues of concern to the Town. An estimated $80–$100 million is needed to fix the aging pipes, build a new wastewater treatment facility, maintain the existing forced main for redundancy, and make other facility repairs and upgrades, including the installation of a new lift station and recycled water system.
The three upcoming information sessions will be identical. Ask questions and share your thoughts. We want to hear from you.
Meeting Schedule:
Monday, July 14: 6-8pm
Community Center – South Conference Room (appetizers provided)
Tuesday, July 15: 12-2pm
Town Hall – Council Chambers (light lunch provided)
Wednesday, July 16: 6-8pm
Community Center – South Conference Room (appetizers provided)
Childcare (ages 5-12) available if requested by today, Friday, July 11 by 10:00am. Call 970-264-4151 x0.
Participate in our short survey online to share your thoughts and ideas.
About the PSSGID:
- 92K linear feet (or 17.42 miles) of Town maintained sewer pipes
- 325,000 gallons of sewage pumped per day
- 1,500 customers served
- 2 pump stations & 3 lift stations maintained
Challenges:
- 50 years = avg. age of the system
- Overall sewer system quality: Ranked “Fair” or “Poor”
- Approx. 5.8 miles (1/3 of the system) need critical repairs or are failing
- $15 million needed now for these upgrades
- Sewage is pumped uphill over 7.5 miles to the PAWSD Vista wastewater treatment facility; a 500-foot elevation change
Budget Reality:
- 2025 Revenue: $1.8 million (Fees + Limited Taxes/Grants)
- Monthly Sewer Fee (2025): $71.25 (rising to $76.25 in 2026)
- Costs are rising faster than fees
- Without additional funding, monthly rates could rise significantly
Funding Options:
Funding options the Town is considering include:
- Fee Increase
- Current (2025) monthly sewer fee = $71.25.
- 2026 planned fee increase = $76.25.
- Without additional long-term funding, the Town will need to increase the monthly sewer fee by at least $155.00 per month, raising the monthly rate for users to $201.25.
- The PSSGID Board can increase fees without voter approval.
- 1% sales tax
- Residents would get to vote on a sale tax increase this November.
- A 1% sales tax would generate approximately $3.6M in revenue the first year.
- A sales tax is paid by both visitors and residents.
- If approved, monthly sewer fees would decrease by at least $15 per month or more, beginning in January 2026.
- Monthly grocery costs for a family of 4 would go up by approx. $15/mo.
- The cost of other taxable purchases would increase by 1%.
- Property tax
- The Town doesn’t have the authority to issue more than $15.1M.
- The PSSGID could issue General Obligation Bonds, but that levy would increase the average homeowner’s property taxes by $182 a month ($2,189 annually).
- If a higher property tax is established, below is a chart estimating the new monthly cost based on home value.