Charlotte County and Punta Gorda weigh water rate increases after "surprising" State bill introduced

PUNTA GORDA, FLA. (WINK) - Charlotte County residents are expressing concern over potential water rate hikes as the county board of supervisors plans a public hearing. 

The hearing, scheduled for Tuesday morning, will address a request to increase water rates, sparking concerns among community members.

A bill filed by state Rep. Vanessa Oliver has added to the anxiety. If signed into law, the bill would require Charlotte County to absorb a significant portion of Punta Gorda’s water utility customers.

Charlie Kueck of Charlotte County shared his frustration at a WINK Listens event in Port Charlotte last week, citing the impact on his fixed income.

“I’m just tired of it, we’ve been here more than 21 years, and everything keeps going up and up,” said Kueck.

He further expressed concern over social security increases not keeping pace with rising water bills.

“Social security goes up 2.5% something like that, that won’t even cover the water bill anymore,” he said.

According to a 2024 state water rate survey, Charlotte County customers pay some of the highest rates in the state. 

County leaders have been hearing from concerned rate payers already, during a county meeting last month, one speaker said, “You’re not going to take over the City of Punta Gorda, and we’re going to get everyone involved in this out of office."

Punta Gorda City Councilmember Greg Julian expressed concern over the bill, fearing it would impact the city’s ability to pay its long-term debt.

“I am very, very concerned that taking a third of our customer base will impact our ability to pay our long-term debt,” said Julian.

Julian noted the lack of communication from Oliver regarding the bill.

“I’ve asked her staff for an opportunity to meet. I will drive up to Tallahassee and have a long conversation with her about how she sees this becoming implemented, because right now I do not,” said Julian.

The bill aims to reflect the corporate limits of Punta Gorda, ensuring uninterrupted service and efficient utility management. It would have the County absorb a third of Punta Gorda's water users. Julian said he sees no need for the change, and it's not something the city or county has been asking for. 

Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch criticized the lack of communication during a County meeting on December 16, before the bill was filed.

“I don’t remember ever putting in a bill for a local community, city, town, or county without talking to them first,” said Deutsch.

During that meeting, the county commissioners voted to oppose the bill. During a meeting last week, Punta Gorda’s city council hired a lobbyist to advocate against it. 

The lobbyist comes at a cost of at least $8,500 in taxpayer dollars.

“Hopefully that will help us prevent it from going through,” said Julian.

Rep. Oliver has provided little reasoning for the bill and has limited communication with stakeholders. An interview with Chief WINK Investigates Reporter Chorus Nylander is scheduled for Friday, where more information on her intentions is expected.