The city built on canals is preparing to charge more for water, and not everyone is on board.
Cape Coral residents who use city water recently received a mailed notice about a potential rate increase set to take effect later this year. The proposal has sparked frustration among some homeowners.
“The last thing we need is more bills going up — not good,” said Cape Coral resident Robert Craig.
“I mean, it’s kind of a very informal way of telling me you’re going to dip into my wallet,” said southwest Cape homeowner Brigitte Lakah. “I don’t even know what it was. I just tore it up.”
Under the proposal, irrigation rates could rise from $9.50 to more than $13. While that may not sound like much at first, it could amount to more than $50 a year in added expenses for some households.
“They want to raise it? What for? What am I getting more for?” Lakah said.
According to the city, the additional revenue would fund the purchase of a 200-acre property in Charlotte County to be developed into a reservoir. That reservoir would help replenish the city’s freshwater canals and keep the irrigation system functioning, particularly during the dry season.
The city is also proposing a one-time 2.5% rate increase to help fund a rock mine acquisition.
“They’re going to drive people out,” Lakah said. “The ridiculous taxes, the ridiculous insurance rates — and now you want to raise the water bill?”
A public city council meeting to discuss the proposed increases is scheduled for next month.
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