SANFORD, Fla. — Discussions over whether the city of Sanford will implement a utility rate hike in the coming months continued Monday afternoon during a city commission workshop.

What You Need To Know

  • City leaders reconvened to discuss a potential utility rate hike increase during a city commission workshop

  • Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff blames the potential hike on inflation, maintenance and replacement costs

  • City officials weighing out other alternatives before October vote but Woodruff fears placing the item on hold for too long will have consequences later

  • The proposed utility rate hike will be voted on in October, and if passed, will go into effect on Nov. 1

The proposed hike would cause water and sewer rates to increase by 7.5%, or a roughly $4 increase per month for a standard household using 4,000 gallons of water and wastewater.

While certain residents say these hikes are inevitable given the city’s population growth and the rising cost of living, others are concerned that a 7.5% increase could be tough on people’s wallets.

The city of Sanford released this information in August, informing customers. 

Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff says commissioners are trying to look at other alternatives to address the city’s much needed water and sewage issues before voting on the rate hike in October.

However, Woodruff says the issue with putting off the utility increase will lead to more problems down the line.

He said there are problems the city is already looking into regarding fire hydrants.

“We’ve got issues with our fire hydrants. They’ve identified 38 so far — there’s 1,600 in the city — that either need repair or don’t have enough water flow. That’s something we need to fix right away. Temporarily, Seminole County will be dispatching a tanker truck anytime there’s a fire in Sanford,” he explained.

Other needs Woodruff listed include water pump replacements and increased capacity for reclaimed water.

However, some Sanford residents have mixed feelings.

Kenneth Bentley, who has lived in Sanford his whole life, says a utility rate hike is to be expected considering the city’s growing population. His concern lies with the impact fees on the city. 

“We want people to come to this area because we have a large footprint, and we want people to spend money and have fun. But we also want to make sure the city gets their fair share of these impact fees. Nobody wants a rate increase, but we have common sense. You can’t do business at the same price you’ve done it at the last 10 or 15 years,” Bentley said.

Other residents, like restaurant owner Shantell Williams, worries this will cause even more of a financial strain to those who are already struggling, including herself.

“I understand to a certain extent. However, I wish it came a little, not 7 perhaps 3. And then in a couple years go up to 7, but I still deal with issues such as flooding and sewage backup in my restaurant, so for that if I know I’m not going to have any of those issues anymore, then I’m for it. But to still have those issues, that’s a great concern,” Williams explained.

While city commissioners discussed the proposed utility rate hike during Monday’s meeting, they don’t expect to vote on it until next month.

If it passes, it will go into effect starting Nov. 1.

For those who would like to watch the Sept. 9 commission meeting, here's how: