PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Despite mounting pressure and formal demands from local government leaders, State Representative Vanessa Oliver (R-Dist. 76) says she will not back down on a controversial proposal that could strip the City of Punta Gorda of a third of its water customers.
The bill, House Bill 4077, would mandate that Charlotte County take over utility services for customers currently served by Punta Gorda who live outside the city limits.
“A Logistical Nightmare”
The proposal has sparked a rare moment of unified frustration between the Punta Gorda City Council and the Charlotte County Commission. Local leaders have characterized the potential transition as a “logistical nightmare” and “flying blind” due to a lack of financial and technical data.
On Tuesday, Charlotte County Commissioners voted to send a formal letter to Rep. Oliver demanding the immediate withdrawal of the bill.
“We need to know the money, we need to know what we’re doing here,” said Joe Tiseo, Chairman of the Charlotte County Commission. “To continue to amend the bill like this is like trying to put lipstick on a pig.”
Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch echoed that sentiment, stating that he struggled to understand the legislation’s ultimate goal.
Oliver Stands Her Ground
When asked point-blank by Chief WINK Investigates Reporter Chorus Nylander if she would withdraw the bill, Oliver’s answer was simple: “No.”
Oliver maintains that the state has an obligation to intervene when local governments fail to resolve long-standing infrastructure concerns. She pointed to alleged reports from residents about her struggling with water access and a September request from the City of Punta Gorda for $4 million in state funding to improve its reverse osmosis plant.
In that funding request, the city noted it faced an “urgent challenge” to maintain a safe and sustainable water supply—a statement Oliver says justifies her intervention.
“I, as a state representative, have an obligation to make sure everyone in my district has access to clean water,” Oliver said. “What we cannot have is bureaucratic fights between local governments. Where they refuse to act, the state has an obligation to step in.”
Financial Concerns and Next Steps
The City of Punta Gorda is not taking the threat lightly. Councilmembers expressed deep concern that losing a third of their customer base would cripple the city’s ability to pay off long-term utility debts, likely forcing significant rate hikes for the residents who remain.
In response, the Punta Gorda City Council has hired a lobbyist specifically to oppose the bill in Tallahassee.
Rep. Oliver dismissed claims that she is “taking” from the city, arguing instead that the bill “forces them to work together.” She attributed the lack of early communication with local officials to tight legislative deadlines but noted the bill will continue to be refined through the committee process.
“Then it goes through the committee process where it gets amended and changed, and you talk with staff and stakeholders, and you reach a finished product, so that’s the path that I took in this instance.”
As HB 4077 moves through the legislature, WINK News will continue to track its progress and the potential impact on your water bill.