Littleton to consider planning public authority for wastewater plant

Littleton City Council is scheduled to consider Nov. 3 a resolution directing staff to work with Englewood and South Platte Renew to develop a plan for a public authority to operate the cities’ jointly owned wastewater facility. The proposal also calls for public outreach and a report on community input at a later council step, the resolution says.

If adopted, Resolution 81-2026 would direct staff to develop the authority model and prepare formation and operating documents for future council consideration. It would not itself create the authority or approve a contract, agreement, lease or property transfer. A further formal council step is anticipated in early 2027, a staff memo in the council packet says.

Later decisions would address the authority’s governance and board appointments, the operating agreement and how the authority would obtain rights to the facility’s land and improvements. The cities could consider a long-term lease or a transfer of Littleton’s interest in capital equipment, but neither option is approved. A governance presentation describes a 50/50 board as a planning assumption, not a settled term, and outlines other possible governance and asset arrangements.

The facility currently operates under agreements between the cities covering operations, maintenance, cost-sharing and capital investments. Changes to those arrangements or to asset ownership would require separate action.