PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — City council members in St. Petersburg are set Thursday to vote on a utility rate increase.
City officials said the increase would help to pay for infrastructure improvement projects.
If approved, the new rates would take effect Oct. 1, according to city documents, based on monthly water usage of 3,500 gallons and a Tier 2 stormwater property.
The proposed increases would vary by utility. The city is seeking a 7.5% revenue increase for drinking water, 6.5% for wastewater, 9.75% for reclaimed water, 8.5% for stormwater and 6% for sanitation.
City officials said the proposed rates are based on the city’s annual utility study, which examines the operating and capital expenses of St. Petersburg’s five public systems.
But there has been mixed feelings from council about residents having to bear the cost for the city not doing those projects years ago.
Meanwhile, others argue the upgrades are needed to make the city more resilient to storms.
There will be time for public comment on the issue at the hearing at City Hall, starting at 5 p.m.
