Boulder’s debt level for city-run utility at issue

BOULDER — Staffers for the city of Boulder have recommended moving forward with creating a municipal electric utility.

In an analysis sent to the City Council, city staff recommended beginning negotiations to acquire Xcel Energy Inc.’s local distribution system, through condemnation if necessary. The City Council is scheduled to discuss whether to move forward at a study session Tuesday.

The Daily Camera reports the city also is proposing asking voters this November whether to impose a debt limit for the first six months of starting the utility and to require that city and county customers be charged the same rates.

The ballot measure would be an alternative to a citizen initiative backed by Xcel that would give voters control over the total debt limit, not just in the first six months.