Charlotte County approves water and sewer rate increases

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. —

Charlotte County commissioners have approved a water and sewer rate increase, affecting both residents and developers, to support infrastructure growth.

Water bills will rise by 3.5% for residents, along with an increase in fees like fire protection, starting April 1. Developers will also face additional costs, with fees to connect to county systems increasing by approximately $8,700.

Mary Ellen Kiss was one of eight people who spoke about the proposed changes to water and sewer rates.

"I don't think people are, you know, as upset about the rates increasing except that they feel as though they are being penalized where the overdevelopment that is occurring," Kiss said.

The rate will be indexed for residents at least 3.5% each fiscal year. The county's resolution shows the first 3.5% increase starting in April of this year.

The biggest increase is for developers hooking up new homes to water and sewer. Commissioners said those rates will up by about 33%.

Commissioners stated that the changes are necessary to keep up with growth and maintain infrastructure.

"I do believe that, you know, for the benefit of the community, this is something that has to be done," Commissioner Bill Truex of District 3 said. "When I say community, I mean utilities as much as I do the individuals who live in this county."

The commissioners voted four to one in favor of the change, with Commissioner Deutsch casting the only dissenting vote. Kiss and others hope that the rate for developers connecting to the system will continue to align with growth needs in the future.

"If we have to increase capacity for wastewater treatment, if we have to increase capacity for our water supply, water is the most important natural resource," Kiss said. "It is, unfortunately, something that we cannot live without."

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