Helena sets intentions for water and wastewater rate increases, fee updates; public hearings scheduled Oct. 20

The Helena City Commission on Sept. 22 approved resolutions of intention to set new rates and charges for the city’s water and wastewater systems and scheduled public hearings for Oct. 20, 2025.

Public Works and utility staff explained rising chemical and electricity costs and changes associated with new metering mean the utility must adjust rates and pass-through charges. Staff said the proposed wastewater rate increase is approximately 4% and the water increase is approximately 3.5 — figures staff described as lower than increases some other cities have implemented. Staff also said the city will move to pass through new meter costs at market rates rather than using a per-dollar markup; septic-dumping and other service charges have not been updated since February 2017 and staff recommended increases to recover costs such as sampling.

Commissioners voted 5-0 on motions to: set a resolution of intention for wastewater base and usage rates (public hearing Oct. 20, 2025); set a resolution of intention for water base and usage rates (public hearing Oct. 20, 2025); set a resolution of intention to increase miscellaneous wastewater customer charges (public hearing Oct. 20, 2025); and set a resolution of intention to set charges for services and equipment purchases for the water system (public hearing Oct. 20, 2025). Each motion passed on roll-call votes by Commissioners Shurtleff, Dean, Reid and Logan and Mayor Collins.

Staff said most meter and equipment costs will be passed through at market cost with no markup; they emphasized that most customers are not affected by such service charges unless the city must repair a private service line or perform septic dumping.

Each item will return for public hearing and final adoption on Oct. 20, 2025.