Council to Review Utility Rate Study Final Report

The City of Littleton has completed a comprehensive review of its sewer and stormwater utilities, demonstrating the future benefits of increasing rates. At the October 6 meeting, staff and consultants will present to city council an overview of the Utility Rate Study Final Report, including the proposed rate structure and long-term financial plan needed to maintain and modernize critical infrastructure.

Under the proposal presented at the summer open house and webinar, the average single-family customer inside Littleton could see an increase of approximately $12 per month on their 2027 utility bill. A typical four-unit multifamily customer could see an increase of approximately $17 per month in 2027.

Littleton’s sewer and stormwater systems operate around the clock, but many components are aging. Over the next decade, the city anticipates more than $256 million in sanitary sewer upgrades and about $73 million in stormwater system needs. Updating rates now helps ensure reliable service, reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs, and keeps charges fair for all users, including the nine partner districts that rely on Littleton’s treatment services.

To better align bills with actual system use, staff and its consultant (Raftelis) are recommending a shift from a fixed sewer rate to a structure based on average winter water consumption for residential customers, and actual monthly use for commercial customers. This approach encourages conservation and more equitably distributes costs. Stormwater rates would continue using the existing system where the rate is different for single family versus muti-family and non-residential structures, depending on if the lot for the given property is developed versus undeveloped.

Council will also hear findings from an early affordability analysis exploring a potential reduced‑rate program for qualifying low‑income households, as well as information about tap fees. More information about the rate study is available at LetsTalkLittleton.org, where applicable customers can view the Open House boards and Informational Webinar, and take the Billing Frequency Poll.