The Broomfield City Council will have its first reading on the proposed 50% water rate increases for the city and county at a special meeting tonight.

The increases, first proposed by staff in a July study session, would bring the average resident's bill up by almost $40 per month. Government officials said the funds would go towards maintaining aging water infrastructure in the county and chipping away at the $23 million maintenance backlog.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday and residents can attend in person at the George Di Ciero City and County Building Council Chambers, 1 DesCombes Drive, or online virtually at broomfield.org/128/City-Council. Public commenters can participate in person with comments at the meeting's podium or by calling, starting at 6 p.m., 855-695-3744 and pressing star 3.

Public comment is taken after staff and petitioner presentations and before council questions. Commenters will have three minutes for comment, unless a large number of people request to speak, at which time a 90-minute limit may be imposed, according to the city's website.