AGENDA ITEM REPORT
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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY'S CODE OF ORDINANCES, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 20, "UTILITIES," ARTICLE V, "RATES AND CHARGES," SECTION 20-82, "SCHEDULE OF RATES, FEES AND CHARGES," SUBSECTION 20-82(9), "AUTOMATIC ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT," IN ORDER TO ALLOW FOR ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENTS EFFECTIVE JUNE 1 OF EACH YEAR BASED ON THE HIGHER OF TWO AND ONE-HALF PERCENT (2.5%), THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI), OR BROWARD COUNTY WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES FEE ADJUSTMENTS AND TO PROVIDE THE CITY COMMISSION WITH THE ABILITY TO WAIVE SAID FEES IN WHOLE OR IN PART. (SECOND READING)(PUBLIC HEARING)
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BACKGROUND:
This item was approved on First Reading at the April 10, 2025, City Commission Meeting. During the discussion, there was consideration of adopting the rate increase implemented by Broward County or adopting a reduced rate. Staff will seek direction related to the rate. Further, staff has conducted public outreach, including direct calls to customers and social media postings.
On March 9, 2017, the City Commission approved the current water and wastewater rate structure, which includes an automatic annual adjustment effective April 1 of each year. This adjustment is set at the greater of two and one-half percent (2.5%), or the inflation rate, as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale Metropolitan Area.
The City does not operate its own water and wastewater treatment facilities but instead contracts with Broward County Water and Wastewater Services for the purchase of potable water and the transmission and treatment of wastewater. These contractual services constitute a significant portion of the City's water and wastewater operating budget.
Broward County Water and Wastewater Services (BCWWS) adjusts its fees annually based on projected operational costs, which may fluctuate due to regulatory changes, capital investment needs, and other factors. In previou...
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