Fort Lauderdale residents to see an increase in water and sewer rates
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Fort Lauderdale has initiated a significant project to establish a contemporary water facility with an estimated budget of $1.4 billion, targeting completion by 2026. The project’s primary focus is the replacement of the city’s aged underground piping system.
As a financial strategy for this venture, residents are expected to contribute through an increment in water and sewer rates. However, this decision hasn’t been unanimously embraced by the populace. As of now, an average consumer pays a monthly fee of $82.13, which is projected to escalate to $93.67, effective from October 1st.
For the forthcoming fiscal year, the proposed rate adjustments have been outlined at 22.5% for water and 9% for sewer services. These changes are predicted to enhance the city’s revenue by 14%, as stated by City Manager Greg Chavarria. By the year 2033, forecasts suggest that the mean monthly water bill could reach $165.66, a notable increase from today’s average of $30.46. Similarly, it’s expected that the monthly sewer charges will rise from the current $51.68 to an estimated $94.14 by 2033.
The rationale behind these augmented rates is to fund the modernization of the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant, established originally in 1954. Furthermore, the municipality intends to allocate funds for a state-of-the-art automatic metering system. These fiscal concerns are scheduled for discussion by the Fort Lauderdale commissioners during their deliberation on the city’s $1 billion budget and tax rate, to be convened at their interim venue, The Parker, this Tuesday.
