GROVELAND, Fla. — Groveland city leaders planned to meet with homeowners Monday night to discuss higher-than-normal water bills.

Homeowners say they have seen significant rate increases after new changes took effect in October.

Some residents say they have seen their rates double in the past months, following the city’s announcement back in August that rates would increase by around 40%.

Homeowner Cassandra Woodin and her husband have lived in their Groveland house for 13 years and don’t own a swimming pool.

They say their water billed jumped from $150 dollars a month to $300 dollars.

“It’s definitely higher than 40%, and especially if you consider our usage is down from last month,” said Woodin.

The city warned homeowners like Woodin by mail in August of an impending rate hike, citing aging infrastructure and the $265 million need for two new water facilities.

“It would be OK to have a little bit of a rate hike, but the amount it’s gone up is insane,” said Woodin.

Groveland resident Christine Boothe’s property relies on well water, so her water is free. 

Boothe, though, owns several rental properties where tenants have been shocked by recent water bills and says it’s going to drive those people away.

“They live paycheck to paycheck," she said. "At the end of the month, there is nothing left."

Both homeowners were expected to meet at the Puryear Building on Monday when city leaders met with homeowners to discuss the rate hike.

In addition to the changes that took effect in October, there will also be a year-over-year increase for homeowners in Groveland.