SANFORD, Fla. – Sanford residents could soon see their utility bills climb significantly as city leaders weigh a proposal to raise water and sewer rates by double-digit percentages over the next five years.
At a workshop Monday afternoon, commissioners will review plans that would increase water rates by 33% and sewer rates by 29% through 2030, with the first hike starting later this year.
City staff said the increases are needed to keep pace with inflation and to fund nearly $297 million in infrastructure projects, including water treatment upgrades, new meters, and wastewater plant expansions.
But many residents say another increase would be too much.
“The idea of an increase? It’s absurd,” one resident told News 6. Another called it “ridiculous.”
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Homeowner Jose Cisneros said he and his family are already struggling to cover monthly expenses.
“Really, we’re struggling as it is, and any increase is just not going to help us at all,” Cisneros said.
One Sanford couple said their current water and sewage bill already totals about $110 a month for three people. Another homeowner told News 6 her monthly costs are roughly $145 for two people without lawn irrigation.
The workshop comes just weeks after city commissioners unanimously rejected a proposed fire fee that would have added about $85 a year to household bills. That plan was scrapped following heavy community pushback.
City leaders say Monday’s meeting, set for 4:45 p.m. at City Hall, is intended to review rate projections before moving forward with a public hearing process.
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