A Proposal for Fairer Utility Rates in Largo
A Plan for Fairer Utility Rates in Largo
This plan outlines how to modernize Largo's utility rates to fund critical infrastructure and create a more equitable system that aligns costs with usage and impact for all residents and businesses.
The Challenge: Funding Essential Services
To maintain and upgrade our aging water infrastructure and meet regulatory requirements, significant investment is needed. This plan addresses how to fund these legally mandated projects and ensure the reliability of our services for years to come.
15%
Needed Stormwater Rate Increase
To fund deferred maintenance and major capital projects for flood mitigation.
5%
Needed Wastewater Rate Increase
To support debt service and address deteriorating infrastructure in our sewer system.
The Problem with the Current "One-Size-Fits-All" Model
A uniform rate increase under the current system isn't equitable. It doesn't account for how much a property actually contributes to runoff or how much water a household uses. This leads to low-impact users subsidizing high-impact users.
Current Stormwater System: Inequity
A small home pays the same flat fee as a large estate.
Small Footprint
Large Footprint
Both pay $17.72/month
Current Wastewater System: No Conservation Incentive
The per-gallon price is the same for low and high users.
2k
Gallons
8k
Gallons
Both pay $4.14 / 1,000 Gallons
The Proposal: A Fairer, Modern Solution
The proposed reforms introduce tiered structures that align costs with impact and usage. This is a proven best practice used by many neighboring cities to create more equitable and financially sustainable utility systems.
Proposed Stormwater Tiers
Residential properties will be placed into one of four tiers based on their measured impervious area (rooftops, driveways, etc.). Properties that create more runoff pay a proportionally higher fee.
| Tier | Impervious Area (sq. ft.) | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | < 2,000 | $10.63 |
| 2 | 2,001 - 3,500 | $17.72 |
| 3 | 3,501 - 5,000 | $26.58 |
| 4 | > 5,000 | $44.30 |
Proposed Wastewater Rates
A two-tier "inclining block" rate will charge a lower price for essential indoor water use and a higher price for discretionary use, encouraging conservation.
| Rate Component | Proposed Rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Base Charge (SFR) | $33.84 | |
| Volumetric Rate | Tier 1: 0 - 4,000 gal | $3.50 / 1k gal |
| Tier 2: 4,001 - 10,000 gal | $5.25 / 1k gal | |
| Residential Cap | 10,000 Gallons | |
Interactive Bill Impact Calculator
Select a profile or use the sliders to match your own property and usage. See how the proposed changes could affect your monthly utility bill. Under this plan, lower-impact users may see their bills go down, while higher-impact users pay their fair share.
Adjust Your Profile
Most residential properties fall within the first three tiers.
Estimated Change in Monthly Bill:
How This Plan Compares
Even with the proposed reforms, Largo's utility bills for an average residential customer would remain competitive and well within the range of our neighboring municipalities. This reform is about fairness, not just cost.