SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Adjust the minimum monthly wastewater collection (sewer) rates for customers with meters under one inch and pass Ordinance 9854-25 on first reading.
Body
SUMMARY:
This utility rate adjustment is necessary to provide adequate funding to operate the City's wastewater system and maintain compliance with debt service coverage requirements. This rate change applies only to wastewater (sewer) customers with service meters that are less than one inch.
Additionally, this rate adjustment will support the continuation of capital improvement projects needed to sustain the City's wastewater utility infrastructure.
Public Utilities regularly evaluates the sufficiency of revenues from the City’s sewer rates. A June 2025 analysis by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. recommended a rate adjustment to ensure adequate revenue to fund the wastewater utility's operational and capital needs.
Effective October 1, 2025, the under 1 in. base sewer monthly rate was erroneously lowered from $37.71 to $34.73, when it should have been increased from $37.71 to $40.74. The impact of this correction will be an increase of $6.01 in the monthly charge for under 1 in. base sewer meter, which applies to most residential ssingle-familyhomes.
This ordinance specifically amends the sewer base rate minimum for customers with meters under one inch. The first rate adjustment will be effective on December 1, 2025. Subsequent annual adjustments will be effective on October 1 of each following year.
The proposed minimum monthly rates for this specific service are as follows:
A public hearing to consider this proposal is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Clearwater Main Library, located at 100 N. Osceola Ave. A potential second hearing and final consideration of the ordinance is anticipated for November 20, 2025, at the same time and location.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This action supports the Council’s Strategic Plan to achieve High Performing Government - 1.2 by properly maintaining City infrastructure, specifically the wastewater collection and treatment system.
