Cape Coral city leaders are proposing an irrigation rate increase to address severely low water levels in the Mid-Hawthorne Aquifer, with a public city council meeting scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the changes.
Residents who receive a letter from the city can expect their irrigation rates to rise. The letter indicates that the city council will discuss and potentially approve the rate resolution on Wednesday, but they are seeking public input first.
The proposed changes would increase rates from $9.50 to $13.40 for single-family homes and duplexes, from 50 cents to 70 cents for metered multi-family homes and non-residential properties, and from 12 cents to 17 cents for non-metered multi-family homes and non-residential properties.
Additionally, the city is proposing a one-time 2.5% rate increase to fund the acquisition of a rock mine. This follows the city council's approval to purchase over 1,200 acres of land, including a reservoir in Charlotte County, to supply Cape Coral with more water. The acquisition also includes a pump station and irrigation line from the reservoir to Gator Slough.
The cost of this project is $38 million, which was not included in the city council's 2024 budget, adding to the budget's debt. Consequently, city staff recommends a rate change for irrigation.
These rate changes are set to take effect on Oct. 1. The city council meeting, which includes public comment, is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
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