La Junta electric fund remains in deficit as Stage 2 water restrictions continue
June utility financials showed the electric fund still running a year-to-date deficit before ARPA support, while water and wastewater posted surpluses and drought restrictions stayed in effect.
La Junta Utilities entered July with pressure on its electric fund and ongoing water restrictions, according to June financial records and the July board packet.
The electric fund reported $5.61 million in year-to-date revenue and $5.70 million in expenses, a deficit of $87,297 before ARPA support, according to the June electric fund statement. The utility's broader ARPA board reporting listed about $715,913 in operating cash, $5.22 million in investments and 173 days of cash on hand. A May financial summary also showed year-to-date net revenue running $654,760 below budget, with debt service coverage at 1.06x.
The water fund posted a June operating surplus of $32,130.24 and a year-to-date surplus of $140,830.21. Wastewater reported a year-to-date operating surplus of $377,648.64.
The July utility packet said Stage 2 water restrictions, which began June 1, remained in effect. Staff also reported that the city submitted its EPA Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan on June 30 while continuing work on water-system grants and loans.
The board records showed discussion, but no action, on broader policy questions. Chairman Patrick Berg said he wanted a work session with industrial-park businesses to discuss savings through incentives and deductions. Mayor Joe Ayala said the city would post the board seat left vacant after Mike Bourget moved out of La Junta and became ineligible to serve. The July 14 agenda packet included no vote on rates, incentives or a board appointment.
What happens next is whether the electric fund's financial pressure leads to broader utility decisions. For now, the record shows a utility system managing tight electric finances, continued drought restrictions and ongoing compliance work.