PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Charlotte County leaders are sending a blunt message to Tallahassee— stay out of our water pipes.
In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners moved to formally oppose a new state proposal that would force the county to take over thousands of water customers currently served by the City of Punta Gorda. Local officials are calling the move a “logistical nightmare” that could lead to higher water rates for affected residents.
“Putting Lipstick on a Pig”
The controversy centers on a bill filed last week by State Representative Vanessa Oliver. If passed, the legislation would mandate that Charlotte County assume responsibility for roughly one-third of Punta Gorda’s water utility customer base—specifically those living in unincorporated areas outside city limits.
While the bill’s stated intent is to improve water management efficiency and better define corporate limits, local leaders say they were blindsided.
“We need to know the money, we need to know what we’re doing here. We are flying blind,” said Commission Chairman Joe Tiseo. “To continue to amend the bill like this is like trying to put lipstick on a pig.”
The City of Punta Gorda has long provided water to properties beyond its official borders. Under the proposed plan, those service areas would be carved out and handed to the county.
Both city and county officials argue the plan solves a problem that doesn’t exist, while creating a massive financial burden. Punta Gorda City Councilmember Greg Julian expressed deep concern over the fiscal stability of the city’s utility department if it loses a third of its revenue base.
“I am very, very concerned,” Julian told WINK Investigates. “Taking a third of our customer base will impact our ability to pay our long-term debt.”
Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch echoed those frustrations, noting that Representative Oliver allegedly did not consult with local leadership before drafting the legislation. “I don’t understand what the real purpose of the bill is. It’s not fair to us, and it’s not fair to [the citizens],” Deutsch said.
The County Commissioner stated that they plan to travel to Tallahassee next week to learn more about the bill and voice their opposition.
In early January, Punta Gorda’s City Council voted to spend at least $8,500 in taxpayer dollars to hire a lobbyist to advocate against the bill.
WINK Investigates has reached out to Oliver about the bill and her intentions behind it. She has scheduled an interview with Chief WINK Investigates Reporter Chorus Nylander on Friday. We expect to learn much more about her intentions and will keep you updated.
The Fight Moves to Tallahassee
The opposition is moving quickly from rhetoric to action:
Formal Opposition: The Board of Commissioners voted to send an official letter of opposition to the state legislature.
Lobbying Efforts: The Punta Gorda City Council has already moved to hire a lobbyist to fight the bill in the Capitol.
Direct Action: Commissioners are scheduled to travel to Tallahassee next week to meet with lawmakers and demand answers.
What’s Next?
The bill must pass through several committees before it can reach the House floor. Local leaders are hopeful they can kill the legislation before it gains further momentum.
State Representative Vanessa Oliver has scheduled an interview with WINK Investigates for this Friday. Residents are waiting to hear her justification for a move that local officials claim will leave taxpayers footing the bill for a forced utility overhaul.