MAITLAND, Fla. \u2013 Maitland water and sewer customers could face five straight years of rate increases under a proposal headed to the City Council for a first reading Monday night.<\/p>\n
The plan calls for 12% annual increases in fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029, followed by 6% increases in fiscal years 2030 and 2031. Applied successively, those percentages compound to approximately 57.9% over five years.<\/p>\n
For Pam Perkins, who said she has lived in the same Maitland home for 43 years, the prospect of higher rates adds to frustration over what she already pays.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time we get the bill, it just seems like it\u2019s more, more and more and more,\u201d Perkins said.<\/p>\n
She said she has watched her bills climb over the years, including charges for irrigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s absolutely too high now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
According to city agenda documents, a study by consulting firm GovRates found that Maitland\u2019s existing water and sewer rates do not generate enough revenue to cover the utility\u2019s operating needs and planned capital projects.<\/p>\n
The city says additional revenue would help cover borrowing and debt payments for larger projects, along with smaller projects and operating expenses needed to maintain and improve the system.<\/p>\n
The proposed ordinance follows an Aug. 24 presentation of the rate study. According to the agenda summary, council members directed staff to prepare the five-year schedule of increases.<\/p>\n
Maitland\u2019s proposal comes as customers in several nearby cities are also facing higher utility charges.<\/p>\n
In Apopka, commissioners approved a 6% increase for water, sewer and reclaimed water service on Sept. 2. The higher rates take effect Oct. 1.<\/p>\n
Winter Park increased its water and sewer rates by 4.23% for fiscal year 2026, according to the city\u2019s annual financial report.<\/p>\n
Orlando approved a four-year schedule of sewer rate increases covering fiscal years 2027 through 2030, with the first adjustment beginning Oct. 1, 2026. The city says the increases will support operating, maintenance, infrastructure and regulatory costs.<\/p>\n
Those changes cover different services and time periods: Apopka\u2019s 6% and Winter Park\u2019s 4.23% figures are annual adjustments, while Maitland\u2019s nearly 58% figure reflects the combined effect of its proposed five-year schedule. Orlando\u2019s schedule applies specifically to sewer service.<\/p>\n
For Perkins, another increase is difficult to picture.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t imagine it going up,\u201d she said. \u201cI just can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maitland\u2019s proposed water and sewer ordinance is scheduled for a first reading Monday, Sept. 14. That is not final adoption. The City Council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.<\/p>\n
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